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Nuclear Family Emotional System and Family Projection Process in Tennessee Williams’s Period of Adjustment
Abstract
This article explores the nuclear family dynamics in Williams’s play Period of Adjustment (1960) through Bowen Family Systems Theory: nuclear family emotional system and family projection process. Period of Adjustment is considered one of Williams’s most Southern plays where marriage and family values are comprehensively accentuated. However, on an emotional level, Period of Adjustment connects Williams’s familial works with Bowen’s views on the American family in the mid-twentieth century. The play is mostly neglected by many Williams scholars, and it is described thematically as shallow and superficial. Bowen’s theory provides a perceptive reading of the play that adds a novel interpretation to Williams’s emotional capability of producing a family systems-oriented drama. Furthermore, Period of Adjustment illustrates Dr. Murray Bowen’s concept of a family projection process and the four patterns of the nuclear family emotional system: emotional distance, dysfunction of one spouse, marital conflict, and impairment of one or more children.
... In the scenario described, his father exudes confidence in his decisions, while his mother acquiesces and follows the plan despite, she is always excluded from this plan. This finding coincides with Alzoubi's (2018) argument that the "counterbalancing reciprocal functioning" and "emotional complementarity" contribute to the harmony in the relationship. Pauline plays a significant role in maintaining harmony within the relationship, despite occupying a subordinate position within the family dynamic. ...
This study represents the culmination of a final-year project in literary criticism, integrating selected literary text with a theoretical framework, with roots tracing back to the 1940s and 1950s. The paper delves into exploring family dynamics and human behaviours in Mitch Albom’s For One More Day (2006). Through the lens of Bowen’s family systems theory (BFST), we utilize three concepts and aim to illuminate the intricate interplay of relationships within the family unit, encompassing the roles of the father, mother, and the protagonist himself. We proceed to investigate the transmission of emotional issues from the parents to the child, which culminates in Chick’s adoption of emotional cutoff as a coping mechanism. This study contributes to the understanding that people’s thoughts, emotions, and actions are shaped by the complex relationships rooted in their family of origin. The unresolved emotional issues within the family unit can jeopardise other new relationships. BFST sheds light on this dynamic relationship, making us understand that it is not just about identifying the cause of the problems but more about resolving the problems and finding solace through a proper closure to the unresolved trauma within the familial context.
... (Brown, 1999). A key attribute of self-differentiation is the capacity to tell the difference between emotions and thoughts (Alzoubi, 2022). The failure to differentiate successfully is called fusion. ...
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the different sorts of family stressors among adolescents in secondary schools in Nairobi County have observed. Methodology: The study employed a parallel convergent mixed-method design with a target population of 38,641 adolescents in Nairobi County secondary schools. Quantitative Data was collected from 398 adolescents in forms 2 and 3 via simple random sampling. All school categories were represented through cling cluster sampling, while simple random sampling selected respondents within each school. Qualitative data was purposively obtained from 10 students, 10 parents, and 10 teachers. Proven psychometric tools like Assessment of identity Development in Adolescence, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Children’s Perception of Inter-Parental Conflict Scale, and Dhaka Stress Scale-Adolescent collected quantitative data. Pearson coefficient correlations were calculated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) to explore relationships between variables. Findings: The study established the types of family stressors and confined itself to parental conflict and family changes. The findings of the study revealed that a slight majority of secondary students experienced less intense parental conflict. However, the study results also showed slight high rate of separation, followed by extramarital affairs and divorce among the families’ stressors. Additionally, the qualitative data analysis showed that parental conflict, separation, and divorce were among the few family stressors unanimously reported by all three respondent groups (parents, teachers and students). Furthermore, both the students and parents reported domestic violence as one of family stressors. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on Family Systems Theory. The study recommended the involvement of a counsellor, a chaplain and the government. There should also be a wide spread training of parents and the wider community. These interventions should be implemented not only within schools but also within communities. Therefore, parents, teachers, Non-governmental Organizations, churches, the government and stakeholders in psychological counselling must collaborate and implement interventions. This can create a more robust and holistic support system by adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing educational institutions and community settings.
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