Final answer:
The key concept of Bowen's Family Systems Theory is differentiation, which leads to emotional cutoffs and is counteracted by emotional fusion, with the correct answer being A) Fusion - Emotional cutoffs - Differentiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cornerstone of Bowen's Family Systems Theory is the notion of differentiation within the family that lead to emotional cutoffs and the forces within the family that lead to emotional fusion.
Therefore, the correct answer is A) Fusion - Emotional cutoffs - Differentiation. Dr. Murray Bowen, who created this theory, highlighted these key concepts as central to understanding family dynamics.
Differentiation refers to the ability of a family member to maintain their own sense of self while remaining emotionally connected to the family. Emotional cutoffs occur when family members distance themselves from each other to manage unresolved emotional issues.
Emotional fusion, on the other hand, is the opposite process where family members' emotional lives become overly intertwined, leading to a lack of individual autonomy. Therefore, the correct option is A.