The Effectiveness of Family Training From " Bowen Family System" on Self Differentiation and the Function of Families with Addicted Children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bowen Family System therapy in increasing self-differentiation and improving family function in families with addicted children. Based on previous studies، addicted persons and theirfamilies exhibit low self-differenti-ation، which makes them dysfuncti-onal. The design of this research was an experimental one with a pre-test، post-test and randomized control group. The samples (10 addicted families) were selected voluntarily of single addicted persons and their families in 4 addiction clinics in Tehran. The samples were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a therapy based on Bowen Family System theory in 8 sessions along with the standard treatment and addiction based on national protocols of Ministry and Health and Social Welfare Organi-zation، while the control group was not exposed to such a therapy. Pre- and post- test data were investigated using a covariance analysis test. The results showed that Bowen Family System therapy increases self-differe-ntiation and improves the functioning of addicted persons and their families.