This theoretical perspective, developed by Murray Bowen, MD, espouses the view that the human family functions as an emotional unit which influences individual behavior and development.  By understanding the theoretical underpinnings of how relationships operate within a system, one can view human dilemmas differently.  This, in turn, may allow one to be more thoughtful and less automatically reactive when facing relationship challenges.  How one thinks about the human phenomenon can radically influence one’s personal and professional functioning.