Which theorist is noted for the belief that the family is greater than the sum of its parts?

Which theorist is noted for the belief that the family is greater than the sum of its parts?

• A. Murray Bowen
• B. Salvador Minuchin
• C. Jay Haley
• D. B. F. Skinner

Answer: (A)

The idea tested is that the family operates as a system with properties that go beyond any single member. Murray Bowen is known for developing family systems theory, which treats the family as an emotional unit whose patterns of interaction and dynamics span generations. He emphasized how relationships, communication, and differentiation of self within the family shape individual functioning, highlighting that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. In contrast, Salvador Minuchin focuses on structure and boundaries within the family, Jay Haley on strategic directives to change interaction patterns, and B. F. Skinner on behaviorism, not family systems. So the statement aligns best with Bowen’s systemic view.

The idea tested is that the family operates as a system with properties that go beyond any single member. Murray Bowen is known for developing family systems theory, which treats the family as an emotional unit whose patterns of interaction and dynamics span generations. He emphasized how relationships, communication, and differentiation of self within the family shape individual functioning, highlighting that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. In contrast, Salvador Minuchin focuses on structure and boundaries within the family, Jay Haley on strategic directives to change interaction patterns, and B. F. Skinner on behaviorism, not family systems. So the statement aligns best with Bowen’s systemic view.