American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

How is marital conflict viewed in Bowen's theory?

1. As a result of financial disagreements

2. As each partner projecting their anxiety onto each other

3. As a communication deficiency within the couple

4. As a response to external family pressures

The correct answer is: As each partner projecting their anxiety onto each other

In Bowen's theory, marital conflict is understood primarily through the lens of emotional systems and how individuals manage their anxiety within relationships. The idea of each partner projecting their anxiety onto each other highlights the concept of "emotional cutoff" and the influence of family dynamics. This projection occurs as individuals may struggle with their own emotional issues, which can lead them to react to their spouse in a way that escalates conflict rather than resolves it. Bowen emphasized the importance of differentiation of self, which refers to an individual's ability to maintain their own identity and autonomy while being emotionally connected to others. When partners are unable to differentiate themselves, they can become anxious and reactive, contributing to a cycle of conflict where each partner's unresolved feelings are projected onto the other. This perspective illustrates that marital conflict is not merely about surface-level disagreements or communication failures but is deeply rooted in the emotional history and anxiety of each partner. By focusing on how partners interact due to their emotional states, Bowen's theory provides a more profound understanding of the underlying issues that bring about conflict in marriages.