WHEN: May 20, 2016

Psycho-social Development and Family Systems Theory
“We Are A Reflection Of Our Family”
Course Description
Psycho-social Development and Family Systems Theory provides a framework for understanding human behavior in the context of the social environment and family systems. Participants will explore how psychological and social content shape the human experience. Erik Erikson’s Psycho-social Stages of Development Theory will be reviewed as a framework for practitioners to understand the role of early relationships, culture, age, in personality development across the life-span. From an Eriksonian perspective, emphasis will be placed on how core childhood stages influence the foundation of adult personality. Murray Bowen’s (Bowenian) Family Systems Theory will be offered as a model for understanding the family emotional system. Participants will
learn how to apply these theories in the context of providing clinical treatment and concrete social services to children and families.
Learning Objectives
• Define Family Systems Theory according to Murray Bowen.
• Identify the (3) concepts that make up the ‘Family Projection Process’ according to Bowen.
• Identify the (4) stages of the’ Nuclear Family Emotional System’ according to Bowen.
• Define the ‘Societal Emotional Process’ according to Bowen.
• Identify (8) stages of psycho-social development according to Erik Erikson.
• Compare and contrast theoretical approaches (i.e. Murray Bowen and Erik Erikson) to understanding the psychodynamics of family and interpersonal relationships across the life span.
• Apply concepts of Family Systems Theory in the context of alleviating family tension and conflict in professional practice.
• Apply concepts of Psycho-social Development Theory in the context of providing clinical interventions and social services to children and families in professional practice.