Dysfunctional Family System

They also ask a lot of questions and are able to talk about things in the past and future with greater confidence.

In terms of a system, the meaning is a consistent arrangement of things connected to form unity or to operate as a whole. These systems are dated back in origins to the 1950’s and 1960’s. In this theory we must understand an individual’s family and how it works for that family daily in the community, neighborhood, social aspect, and etcetera. When one part of the system changes, the whole system changes. When everything is balanced it is said to be in equilibrium or homeostasis which seemingly is a good thing (Poorman, 2003). There are many skills

According to Richard Charles (2001) “the effectiveness of family systems theory rests not much on empirical research but on clinical reports of positive treatment outcomes, the personal benefits experienced by the families that underwent this kind of treatment, and the elegance of Bowen’s theory” (p. 279). Bowen’s family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and is a theory of human behavior. Systems thinking are used to describe the complex interactions in the unit. However, the client’s ability to differentiate himself/herself from the family of origin is the basis for Bowen’s family systems theory. In addition, the primary focus for growth within the emotional system is differentiation of self. Differentiation of self

children don’t have to follow any rules and can continue running amuck. The breaking of

Dysfunctional families tend to develop unspoken rules that govern the way the family operates. Rule 1) Rigidity – Dysfunctional families develop ways of operating that become entrenched over time. There is an expectation to always act in a certain way. Roles are defined and members are expected to stick to them. Rule 2) Silence – Dysfunctional families encourage and enforce a conspiracy of silence in the family. Any issues or problems are not spoken about. Rule 3) Denial – Dysfunctional families tend to operate in a state of denial about the problem the family is facing. If they deny the problem hard enough and long enough they may begin to doubt their own perceptions and intuitions. Rule 4) Isolation – Dysfunctional families tend to hide the

-parents often control the direction of conversation, the length of time children can talk and the topics discussed

Systems theory is a lens with which to view human behavior in relation to interactions with different systems, such as family, school, work, and community (Rogers, 2016). Assessing how families function through a systems theory lens allows social workers to examine and understand the different systems that affect the family and the individual. It is a necessary tool in identifying how a family functions in relation to the systems in which it exists as well as identifying what influences are affecting the family. Recognizing these many influences will allow the social worker to understand strengths, weaknesses, and issues of the individual members of the family, as well as the family system as a whole (Thomlison, 2010).

1.0 Introduction In recent years, the number of dysfunctional families seem to have risen. ( according to Australian Government ) Dysfunctional families are families in conflict , misbehaviour and child neglect. ( wikipedia ) Moreover, the Mental Health Academy of Australia shows that among children aged 0-17 years, 20% of them were living in sole parent families and 8% of them were living in either step or blended families.

After a thorough review of the textbook and the course material, the specific family system approach that I choose to explore is the Bowenian Approach for this literature review. This specific family system approach is also known as the Bowen Family System Theory as well (D.V. Papero, 2006). The Bowen Family System Theory was established by Murray Bowen, a theorist and psychiatrist who specialized in treating children who were deranged and had schizophrenia (Rockwell, 2010). In the 1950s, Bowen wanted to explore a new venture so he decided that he wanted all of the family members of each child to be involved in an therapeutic process at the same time (Rockwell, 2010).

Introduction Many professions have their own system of ideas intended to explain situations, phenomenon, particularly one based on general philosophies independent of the thing to be explained. In social work, there are many theories that guide its practice. The social work theories are general explanations that are supported by evidence attained through the scientific method. However, this paper will focus on cognitive behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and Bowen extended family system therapy.

Overall, the family is a crucial unit for a range of reasons, one of which is that it teaches children how to socialize and acquaints children with some form of socialization (Janeja, 2003). Within the family, children generally adopt the communication styles of the father and mother, and tend to mimic the methods of conflict resolution. These communication styles and conflict resolution styles generally follow children into adulthood: "Many people hope that once they leave home, they will leave their family and childhood problems behind. However, many find that they experience similar problems, as well as similar feelings and relationship patterns, long after they have left the family environment"¦.In addition, the families' communication patterns may severely limit the child's expressions of feelings and needs. Children growing up in such families are likely to develop low self esteem and feel that their needs are not important or perhaps should not be taken seriously by others" (Illinois.edu).

Thanks for sharing your story. I believe when people go through things together it makes them stronger and their bond develops more. When a family can come together and solve things this is a wonderful thing to have. I see so many dysfunctional families and it breaks my heart. I wish there was a magic pill to fix this issue, but sadly there is not. Some people wait till a family member passes to turn things around, but why wait till then? I say fix the problem now before it is to late.

Where Did I Come From?“Their is no such thing as a “broken family”. Family is family, and is not determined by marriage, certificates, divorce papers and adoption documents. Family are made in the heart. The only time family becomes null is when those ties in the heart are cut. If you cut those ties, those people are not your family. If you make those ties, those people are your family. If you hate those ties those people will still be your family because whatever you hate will always be with u.” Family members have a big impact on me and my journeys I took with them made my life enjoyable and Memorable. In all, I have been able to experience many eventful memories in my life ; however,the family members that had the biggest impact on me is my godmother, cousins and mother

Some mean are so career oriented that they need full time wives. Physicians, politicians, clergymen, and much small businessman count on their wives to keep house, rear children, serve as hostess, take phone messages, keep the accounts, and help them fulfil their work schedules and obligations.

Every family has a unique system with a set of rules, mostly unspoken, that govern their behavior and interactions. In dysfunctional families, the symptom of their dysfunction is typically sourced within their family system. The symptom also has a function – it protects family members from uncomfortable conflict. Dysfunctional families and couples often maintain negative patterns of interacting, and are unable to transition into new behavioral patterns without therapeutic intervention. In order to help families develop out of their systematic ways of behaving, it is important to understand the specific family system that is presented. With a keen understanding of the family’s culture, beliefs, etc., the therapist can develop therapeutic rituals, which are prescribed actions aimed at altering behavioral patterns that are responsible for maintaining the symptom. The ritual is not a verbal explanation or criticism of the family system, rather it is a specific set of actions designed to help families create new patterns of interaction and meaning in their relationships. (p, 5).