(University of the Free State, 2004) Schoeman, Henk
English: Bowen’s multigenerational approach to family functioning is applied in an analysis
of violence against women in cohabiting and marital relationships. It moves away
from linear analysis of the victim and the perpetrator to a circular approach reaching
beyond the dynamics of the nuclear family. This approach offers an explanation of
the multigenerational transfer of violence and is appropriate to the analysis and description
of the emotional, cognitive and behavioural aspects of those involved. It also
elucidates contributing factors to dysfunctionalities in some children from violent
families and clarifies why only certain children from such families perpetuate violent
behaviour in their adult relationships.