Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

S2 E5 Sibling Position with Alejandro Astorga

Feb 4, 2025

Alejandro Astorga, a prominent psychologist from Santiago, explores the profound impact of sibling positions on family dynamics. He dives into how birth order shapes personality traits and relational behaviors, likening siblings to unique instruments in an orchestra. Astorga also discusses the emotional complexities in sibling interactions, especially concerning issues like estate planning and childhood trauma. With insights from Bowen Family Systems Theory, he encourages reflection on personal family roles, enhancing understanding of these fundamental relationships.

39:26

Creator website

Episode guests

Alejandro Astorga

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sibling positions significantly influence individual behaviors in families, challenging traditional expectations and revealing complex relational patterns.

Understanding sibling positions requires a multi-generational perspective, highlighting how past family dynamics shape current interactions and emotional processes.

Deep dives

Understanding Sibling Position

Sibling position significantly influences individual behavior within the family dynamic. Each child's role is shaped by their birth order and can manifest in rigid or flexible traits, which may not conform to traditional expectations. For instance, an oldest sibling may display characteristics typical of a younger sibling, indicating the complex interplay of family dynamics rather than strict adherence to birth order. This understanding allows families to examine relational patterns more deeply, revealing how individual behaviors relate to their siblings' positions.

Intro

2min

The Dynamics of Sibling Positions

18min

Understanding Sibling Dynamics

7min

Understanding Sibling Abuse through Family Systems Theory

3min

Exploring Family Dynamics Through a Multi-Generational Lens

4min

Understanding Sibling Dynamics

5min

This podcast episode looks at sibling position as a concept in Bowen family systems theory and originating in the research of Dr. Walter Toman. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.

Alejandro Astorga is a psychologist and family therapist who lives in Santiago de Chile. He has a Masters in family therapy and a Masters in law in children’s rights . He is Director of the Multigenerational Intervention Center in Santiago and a member of the Ibero-American Institute of the Bowen Center for the Study of the family. He is also Technical Director of Corporación Opcion, a non-profit organization that, in collaboration with the government, serves 15,000 children and their families throughout Chile.

Resources:

Walter Toman, “Family Constellation”: here.

Alejandro Astorga research in Spanish: here, here, and here.

Family Matters episodes:

“Sibling Position” and “Sibling Rivalry”

Walter Smith, Family Projection Process: here

TJ Therrien instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj_therrien/

Eldest daughter research: here , here and here. ---------

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship

#family #siblings #brother #sister #roles #oldest #youngest #middle

Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory:

https://livingsystems.ca

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information about Bowen family systems theory and is not considered the practice of counselling or therapy. The information presented are the views of the people who say them. Any information used from this podcast is used at your own risk.

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