The following can be the supposed applications of the Bowen theory except _________________________________.

Directions: Answer the question based on the following passage.

Bowen family systems theory has played an important role in the development of the field of marriage and family therapy (MFT). Murray Bowen, who developed this intergenerational perspective, is considered to be one of the founders of the field of MFT, and his theoretical descriptions and explanations of family process have made major contributions to the development of systems theory as a clinical perspective.

In addition to the importance of Bowen theory in the theoretical development of MFT, many family therapists have adopted his perspective as a primary theoretical orientation in conducting therapy. For example, it is the primary theoretical foundation for Schnarch's (1997) popular clinical perspective in treating sexual dysfunctions. Bowen theory also has a significant influence on many MFTs who have adopted an integrative clinical approach. Thus, Bowen theory has a substantial impact on the clinical perspectives of many MFTs.

Although originally developed as a theory to guide clinical intervention, Bowen theory has been recently integrated into nonclinical theories of family process. Likewise, family science textbooks have used a family process perspective to teach undergraduate students about family interaction.

Despite the prominent role that Bowen theory has had in the evolution of MFT, as well as its influence on current clinical practice, there is no empirical research supporting the effectiveness of the theory in clinical practice. Recent reviews of the clinical outcome literature have failed to find any controlled outcome studies that have tested the effectiveness of Bowen theory. Consequently, there is no clinical research that provides evidence that Bowen theory is a valid and effective theory of MFT.

Basic research offers another strategy to test the validity of Bowen theory. Rather than testing the effectiveness of a theory in clinical practice, basic research tests the validity of the propositions of the theory. If research supports the validity of the concepts and propositions of the theory, then scholars and clinicians can have more confidence in the soundness of the theory.

In the last 15 years, a substantial number of studies have tested the validity of many of Bowen's concepts, assumptions, and propositions. These studies come from a variety of fields, including nursing, MFT, family studies, and psychology. Charles (2001) recently reviewed eight studies that tested a few of the concepts of Bowen Theory. However, many of Bowen's major theoretical assumptions and propositions were not addressed in the review, and many important studies were not included. Consequently, a thorough and comprehensive review is needed to adequately examine the validity of Bowen theory. In this article, we review the basic research literature that examines the validity of Bowen theory. The review of basic research is consistent with Wynne's (1997) call for an increased emphasis on basic research as an important avenue in furthering the development of the field of MFT.