Changes of Family Systems in Power Distribution and Communication Pattern

―An analysis of Storytelling Scene―

Abstract

　This article aims to clarify balance of power and improvement of communication patterns (verbal and nonverbal) in family members during the last session of family therapy. This was done through an analysis on quantity of utterance, objects of utterance and objects of glance in the Storytelling Scene with the Diagram Method.

　In family "A", the mother possessed the greatest power, while the IP had the least power during the first session of family therapy, however, power distribution among members was balanced during the last session of family therapy. Family "B"’s power distribution among members was also balanced in the last session of family therapy.

　As for objects of utterance and glance, family "A"’s parents directed most of their utterances and glances toward their sister during the first session of family therapy, but they were balanced during the last session of family therapy. The IP didn’t direct utterances towards the father during the first session, but these utterances were balanced between both parents during the last session. Family "B"’s parents directed most of their utterances towards the therapist and didn’t communicate with the family members during the first session, but the objects of utterance were balanced during the last session, while objects of glance didn't balance. It is estimated that family "B" had unsolved problems.

　Power distribution and objects of utterance were balanced during the last session