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Published Online: 1990, pp. 467–625

Sam Shepard and the Dysfunctional American Family: Therapeutic Perspectives

Landy F. Sparr, M.D., M.A., Susan S. Erstling, Ph.D., and James K. Boehnlein, M.D., M.Sc.Authors Info & Affiliations

Publication: American Journal of Psychotherapy

Volume 44, Number 4

https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1990.44.4.563

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Abstract

A series of family dramas by the Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Sam Shepard provides a shocking look at the breakdown of the family as central organizing unit. Using Curse of the Starving Class as a model, this article examines family processes in the play and the biographical roots of Shepard’s interest in dysfunctional families.

Shepard’s exploration of differentiation, boundaries, marital disintegration and parental ineffectiveness, isolation, family goals and purpose, and inter generational legacies is a helpful reminder for therapists who focus primarily on technique and/or internal family dynamics to consider community ties and the significance of family rituals.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

American Journal of Psychotherapy

Volume 44 • Number 4 • 1990, pp. 467–625

Pages: 563 - 576

PubMed: 2285080

History

Published in print: 1990, pp. 467–625

Published online: 30 April 2018

Authors

Details

Landy F. Sparr, M.D., M.A.^*

Portland, OR

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Susan S. Erstling, Ph.D.^†

Pittsburgh, PA

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James K. Boehnlein, M.D., M.Sc.^‡

Portland, OR

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Notes

Associate Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University; Psychiatry Service, VA Medical Center, Portland. Mailing address: VA Medical Center (116A-OPC), P.O. Box 1036, Portland, OR 97207.

^†

Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Family Therapy Consultation Service, Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

^‡

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University; Psychiatry Service, VA Medical Center, Portland.

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Sam Shepard and the Dysfunctional American Family: Therapeutic Perspectives

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