Emotional Cutoff

Titelman, Peter

About the Editor
Contributors
Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: Theory
Chapter 1. Emotional Cutoff in Bowen Family Systems Theory: An Overview
Introduction
The Origin and Evolution of the Concept of Emotional Cutoff in Bowen Theory
The Theoretical Context for the Concepts of Fusion and Cutoff
The Concepts of Emotional Fusion and Emotional Cutoff in Bowen Theory
The Relationship Between Emotional Cutoff and the Other Concepts in Bowen Theory
Symptom Formation and the Continuum of Emotional Cutoff
Bridging Emotional Cutoff
Summary
Chapter 2. Lone Wolves and Rogue Elephants: Emotional Cutoff Among Animals
Introduction
Solitary Behavior in the Animal World
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Emotional Cutoff and the Brain
Introduction
The Human Brain
Emotional Cutoff and Brain Development
Emotional Cutoff and Brain Functioning
Clinical Example
Emotional Cutoff in Clinical Work
Summary
Part II: The Therapist’s Own Family
Chapter 4. Efforts to Bridge Secondary Emotional Cutoff
Introduction
A First Cousin Once Removed: A Resource for Multigenerational History and the Discovery of Cutoff in the Family
Bridging Emotional Cutoff with an Aunt
Beginning Efforts to Bridge Cutoff with Two First Cousins
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Toward Undoing Cutoff: A Twenty-Five Year Perspective
Introduction
Mr. A’s Family History As Known in 1976
Mr. A’s History Through the Lens of Theory
Initial Steps to Undo Cutoff
Summary and Conclusion
Chapter 6. Bridging Cutoff with Divorced Relationships and with Family
Early Experience with Bowen Theory
A First Attempt to Put Theory to the Test
Bridging Cutoff with My Own Family
Results of Family Cutoff Work
Work for the Future
Chapter 7. Managing Cutoff Through Family Research
Shift from Individual to Systems Thinking
Researching the Cutoffs
Identifying Successful and Unsuccessful Approaches to Cutoffs
Identifying Variability in Functioning
Summary: Principles and Benefits of Managing Cutoff Through Family Research
Part III: Research and Clinical Applications
Chapter 8. Toward Understanding and Measuring Emotional Cutoff
Introduction
Emotional Cutoff Rooted in Evolution and Emotional Reactivity
Research Instrument
Development of the Scale
Validity and Reliability
Summary
Chapter 9. Marital Functioning and Multigenerational Fusion and Cutoff
Parent-Child Fusion and SeparationThe Prelude and Backdrop to Marriage
The Effects of Cutoff on Marriage
Clinical Work with Emotional Cutoff
Conclusion
Chapter 10. Reproduction and Emotional Cutoff
Introduction
Bowen Theory and Emotional Cutoff
The Study of Bowen Theory and Reproduction
Family Examples from Research and Clinical Practice
Conclusion
Chapter 11. The Impact of Cutoff in Families Raising Adolescents
Introduction
Concepts from Bowen Theory
Outline of a Study
Some Considerations and Conclusions
Chapter 12. The Continuum of Emotional Cutoff in Divorce
The Complexity of Divorce
The Perspective of Bowen Theory
Emotional Cutoff and Divorce
Concluding Comment
Chapter 13. Depression: A Symptom of Cutoff in Relationship Processes
Introduction
Bowen Theory and the Therapist’s Own Emotional Functioning
Clinical Case
Conclusion
Chapter 14. Emotional Cutoff and Domestic Violence
Introduction
Defining Terms and Processes
Bowen Theory and Its Relevance for Understanding Domestic Violence
Clinical Case Examples
Summary
Chapter 15. Emotional Cutoff and Family Stability: Child Abuse in Family Emotional Process
Introduction
Definitions and Background Ideas
Threats and Family Stabilit