The 48th Annual Symposium
on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy
Schedule
November 4-5, 2011
FRIDAY • NOVEMBER 4, 2011
8:30 Registration
9:00
Welcome and Introduction
Anne S. McKnight, EdD
SCIENCE AND THEORY
9:10
When Does a Field of Study Become a Science?
Randall T. Frost, MDiv
Multiple conditions are required for a field of study to become a science. Knowledge of these factors can inform the effort to move Bowen theory toward science.
9:40 Context Dependence and the Study of Harvester Ant Behavior LeAnn Howard, MSW
Studies of harvester ant behavior conducted by Deborah M. Gordon reveal the importance of context in understanding behavior and fitness. This presentation will discuss her recent work and potential contributions of Bowen theory in the understanding of context.
10:10 Panel Discussion
10:40
Coffee Break
11:10
Multigenerational Processes Shaping Individual Differences in Stress Reactivity Robert J. Noone, PhD
There are several current hypotheses regarding the transmission of individual differences in stress reactivity from one generation to the next. All may be accurate and interact.
11:40
Evolution of Eusociality in Homo Sapiens
Laurie Lassiter, PhD, MSW
The systematic development of variation in differentiation of self in Homo sapiens may have given early human groups an advantage.
12:10
Panel Discussion
12:40
Lunch Break
DISTINGUISHED GUEST LECTURER
Abstract of Dr. Gadagkar's presentation
2:00 Interrogating an Insect Society - Part I Raghavendra Gadagkar, PhD
The Indian paper wasp is a highly social species that functions in a remarkably coordinated and efficient manner. The lecture (in two parts) will be unusual in describing the varied research approaches ("interrogations") that have revealed the "language" of the insects that enables a large number of individuals to work together with minimal conflict.
3:15 Break
3:30
Interrogating an Insect Society - Part II
Raghavendra Gadagkar, PhD
As another social species, but one more vulnerable to destructive conflict than these paper wasps, human beings can perhaps gain from learning how the members of a "lowly" insect species interact so successfully.
4:30 Panel Discussion
5:00 Adjournment
5:30 Reception
SATURDAY • NOVEMBER 5, 2011
DIFFERENTIATION
8:30 The Evolution of Helping: Altruism to Empathy to Differentiation of Self
Stephanie J. Ferrera, MSW
Altruism and empathy are part of the emotional system that the human has in common with many other animals. Differentiation of self goes beyond the emotional level, balancing emotion with thinking in responding to the needs of others.
9:00 Emotion and Intellect: A Cooperative Team Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSW
This presentation reviews research on the interplay of systems in the brain to explore how the emotional and cognitive systems are capable of working as a cooperative team.
9:30 Functions of Belief James E. Jones, PhD
Beliefs can influence one's own functioning, and beliefs about others can influence the functioning of those others.
10:00 Panel Discussion
10:30 Coffee Break
SYMPTOM DEVELOPMENT
11:00 Revisiting the Cancer Riddle Michael E. Kerr, MD
An understanding of cancer will likely depend on the development of a systems theory of the individual that discerns basic patterns and forces governing the body and that can be integrated with Bowen theory.
11:30 The Regulation of Ovulation in Nature and the Family Victoria Harrison, MA
Variation in human ovulation illustrates ways in which differentiation of self, anxiety, and reactivity to relationships affect reproduction. The perspective afforded by Bowen theory is important for research and clinical practice.
12:00 Panel Discussion
12:30 Lunch Break
EVOLUTION AND THEORY
2:00 Evolution, Epigenetics, and Bowen Theory
Anne S. McKnight, EdD
Epigenetics, the regulation of genes through heritable mechanisms not based in the DNA but influenced by the environment, is described and related to Bowen's concept of the multigenerational transmission process in families.
2:30
The Evolution of the Primary Triangle: How Neuropeptides May Influence Family Relationship Patterns
Margaret Donley, MSW
Mammalian neuropeptides, such as oxytocin and vasopressin, play a significant role in regulating the stress response by decreasing fear and increasing the expression of social behaviors necessary for pair-bonding, maternal behavior and sexual behavior.
3:00 Panel Discussion
3:30 Break
CLINICAL RESEARCH
3:45 Mapping Relationship Patterns of Unwed Expectant Couples
Margaret Otto, MSW
Data from 50 couples was collected using an interview guide to explore basic descriptors of the family units of the unwed couples. Results from the original and follow-up group of ten couples demonstrate distinct patterns of interactions consistent with Bowen theory.
4:15 Multigenerational Family Stress and Nuclear Family Functioning Phillip Klever, MSW
Bowen theory sees that the human’s interdependent relationships profoundly influence his behavior. A longitudinal study applies this idea in examining the influence of stressors in the multigenerational family on nuclear family functioning.
4:45 Panel Discussion
5:15 Adjournment
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