Which concept refers to significant influences from family members who are no longer living?

The concept referring to significant influences from family members who are no longer living is best captured by the term "ghosts." In the context of family therapy and systems theory, this term is often used metaphorically to describe the lingering effects of deceased family members on the living. These "ghosts" can represent unresolved issues, unacknowledged grief, or patterns of behavior and beliefs that continue to affect current family dynamics.

Ghosts can manifest in various ways, such as through family myths or stories that shape how current members perceive themselves and their relationships. This effect emphasizes that the past, including the lives and legacies of those who have passed away, continues to hold substantial sway over the present family system.

In contrast, transgenerational mandates focus on expectations or rules transmitted across generations but do not specifically address the influence of those who have died. Flexible alliances refer to adaptable relationships within the family structure, and a generation gap often highlights differences in values or attitudes between different age groups without emphasizing the influence of deceased members. Therefore, the term "ghosts" encompasses the notion of ongoing impact from the deceased, making it the most fitting choice for this question.