Murray Bowen, a prominent family therapist, developed the Bowen Family Systems Theory to understand family dynamics and the influence of anxiety on relationships. He identified four ways couples may handle chronic anxiety in their relationship:

Emotional Fusion: Emotional fusion refers to a state where individuals in a relationship become overly dependent on each other and struggle to maintain their individual identities. They may seek validation and emotional support from their partner constantly, leading to a sense of enmeshment and a loss of autonomy. This high level of emotional dependence may create tension and anxiety within the relationship.

Emotional Distance: In contrast to emotional fusion, emotional distance occurs when couples respond to chronic anxiety by creating emotional and/or physical space between them. They may avoid discussing sensitive topics or spend less time together to minimize the potential for conflict. While this strategy may reduce anxiety in the short term, it can lead to longterm disconnection and isolation within the relationship.

Triangulation: Triangulation is a process in which a third party, often a child or another family member, is brought into the relationship to manage anxiety and tension between the couple. This third person serves as a buffer or mediator, reducing the intensity of the couple's conflict. However, it can lead to unhealthy dynamics and increased anxiety for the third person, who may become caught in the middle of the couple's issues.

OverFunctioning/UnderFunctioning: This pattern involves one partner taking on more responsibility and control in the relationship (overfunctioning), while the other partner becomes more passive and dependent (underfunctioning). The overfunctioning partner may attempt to manage anxiety by controlling various aspects of the relationship, while the underfunctioning partner may rely on the other for support and decisionmaking. This dynamic can create an imbalance in the relationship, perpetuating chronic anxiety and reinforcing the overfunctioning/underfunctioning roles.