With this, Pam not only cannot differentiate her own thoughts and feelings, but she also cannot differentiate herself from her parents. Pam's fusion to her parents leads to her feeling any and all emotions that are moving between her parents. Bowen coined the term "fusion-differentiation" in response to family members who seem to be "emotionally stuck" with one another which he measured on a scale. According to Goldenberg et al, (2017) "people at the low end of the scale are those whose emotions and intellect are so fused that their lives are dominated by the feelings of those around them" (p. 196). This goes on to indicate that anxiety and stress in these individuals can occur easily and leads to dysfunction. Further stated by Goldenberg et al, (2017) "fearful and emotionally needy, they sacrifice their individuality in order to ensure acceptance from others" (p. 196). I believe this fusion-differentiation between Pam and her parents explains why her emotions appear to be so dependent on what her parents are saying in the session. Pam needs to be accepted by her parents and also wishes to be "needed" by
With this, Pam not only cannot differentiate her own thoughts and feelings, but she also cannot differentiate herself from her parents. Pam's fusion to her parents leads to her feeling any and all emotions that are moving between her parents. Bowen coined the term "fusion-differentiation" in response to family members who seem to be "emotionally stuck" with one another which he measured on a scale. According to Goldenberg et al, (2017) "people at the low end of the scale are those whose emotions and intellect are so fused that their lives are dominated by the feelings of those around them" (p. 196). This goes on to indicate that anxiety and stress in these individuals can occur easily and leads to dysfunction. Further stated by Goldenberg et al, (2017) "fearful and emotionally needy, they sacrifice their individuality in order to ensure acceptance from others" (p. 196). I believe this fusion-differentiation between Pam and her parents explains why her emotions appear to be so dependent on what her parents are saying in the session. Pam needs to be accepted by her parents and also wishes to be "needed" by