An investigation into the effects of stress on the dynamics of selected Xhosa families.

Bowen in Guerin (1976) describes the family as the system in which every activity produces a reaction in one or more of its members. This system includes not only the family but also relatives. Every member is presumed to play a role which is relatively stable. A member has a degree of personal differentiation from family of origin, the ability to be one’s self in the presence of pressure that threatens the loss of love or social position. Some families use scapegoating on one member by blaming him for the family problems. This pressure can lead to the development of symptoms of either physical or emotional illness in the family member. If this member improves another member is likely to absorb the pressure and develop symptoms.