For a family caught in the downward whirlpool of a regression, one parent must eventually take a stand for higher and better functioning for self. In Bowen theory this is called an “I position.” It says, “I will no longer support irresponsible (dependent, symptomatic, regressive) behavior. This is what I believe (that everyone here is capable of better functioning). And this is what you can expect from me in the future.” When this happens, others follow and the regression comes to an end.
