Family Structure And Boundaries: The Structural Family Theory

Family boundary ambiguity can be defined as confusion about who is in and who is out of the family system, because of the physical or psychological absence of one or more of the members (Boss & Greenburg, 1984). Boundary ambiguity has been studied in families in which the gain or loss of a family member is vague such as missing-in-action families (e.g., Boss 1977, 1980), divorced families (e.g., Peterson & Christensen, 2002; Rosenburg & Guttman, 2001), remarried families (e.g., Hobart, 1988; Stewart, 2005), and family caregivers to Alzheimer’s patients (e.g., Kaplan & Boss, 1999; Sherman & Boss, 2007). Few studies have examined boundary ambiguity in foster families, despite the frequent addition and loss of members within the household.

Family System Theory (FST) is defined as a social unit in which each member of the family cannot be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family (Family System Theory, n.d.). Consequently, In order to be a system, the behavior of each family member should be in a pattern as well as repetitive. However, all family systems are unique; in conjunction with differentiation among individuals in each family. Equilibrium in a family system is maintaining the same patterns and behaviors, disruption results in imbalance. In order to maintain homeostasis each family member must enforce their role.

First, according to Macionis (2004) the term family is defined as a social institution found in all societies that unite people in cooperative groups to oversee the bearing and raising of children. Same author also discusses several theoretical approaches have been identified that identifies the family as a form of social institution and how the family unit interconnect with other social institutions within any given society. According to the Structural-Functional Analysis for example, the family serves as a unit that perform many vital tasks

Describe the boundaries within the family and between the family and their extended family members/community supports: Consider hierarchy, enmeshment, disengagement, triangulation

Comparing Bowen’s family systems theory and Minuchin’s structural family theory we will outline several fundamental categories for analysis with Goldenberg & Goldenberg (2012) as our guide. We also contrast the history and theoretical orientation of both men to garner a deeper understanding of their theories. Finally we will consider integrating elements of both theories and how this makes us more effective practitioners.

Structural Family Therapy is based on three main principles. The first is family structure, the interactions among different families vary depending on inherent family rules. Each family member adjusts their behavior in accordance to the rules to make sure that the family system operates without issues. Family structure is based on family members ' repeated interactions which can enhance expectations and establish lasting patterns. You can get a general idea about the family structure by observing the way families interact and communicate (“What Is Structural Family Therapy and How It Works | New Health Advisor,” n.d.). The second is family subsystems. A family contains many subsystems that perform different tasks according to the family 's requirements. Family subsystems can be based on role functions, gender, age group and common interests. Problems can arise if one of the subsystems starts to take the role and place of another subsystem (“What Is Structural Family Therapy and How It Works | New Health Advisor,” n.d.). The third is boundaries, which are barricades through which different members and subgroups within a family system can communicate with each other. The boundaries in a family system can be clear, rigid or diffused. A clear

In my family, my mother holds a parental subsystem. Satir stated that parental subsystem is considered the architect of the family (Satir, 1983). Parents have the biggest influence on the child’s development. As head of household, my mother’s role is to provide, nurture, teach, socialize, and support her children and grandchildren. The sibling subsystem consist of my sister and I. In this subsystem, we are teaching each other social interaction and how to relate to others outside of our home environment. Although, my sister and I get into petty arguments, our bond if very close. We are always able to depend on one another and confide personal issues with each other. I formed competence by learning from my sister’s mistakes. Studies have found that siblings’ subsystem is viewed as a peer learning group. Within this system, “siblings relate to each other for mutual support, and for some caretaking and caregiving functions” (Kepner, 1991). A role of the older sibling is to be the leader. As the young sibling, I was more pampered. My sister guided me and took care of my needs. Subsystem is beneficial towards the growth of the family.

Structural family therapy is a systems theory and as such, the family is viewed as a system comprised of various subsystems. These subsystems are hierarchically masterminded and exist to support the errands essential for family working. The essential subsystem of the family are spousal, parental, and kin. “The subsystems are characterized by interpersonal

Reconstruction and change are essential for the family system to facilitate the homeostatic process, as explained by the fourth principle of the theory (Minuchin, 1985). It includes family questioning current methods, evaluating and developing potential arrangements. While earlier principles analyse the wholeness of the family system, the fifth principle explains that families can be examined in various segments such as the parent-children subsystem, sibling subsystem and spousal subsystem (Minuchin, 1985). Within the family, relationships between members are formed, and the interactions between each subsystem are regulated by unspoken rules and arrangements, and this is the final principle of family systems theory (Minuchin, 1985). Each subsystem operates independently, and it may encounter changes in the relationship due to various determinants.

The structural family theory developed by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960’s, used to focus structural change within a dysfunctional family. The purpose of understanding the structure of the family has been to assist in creating a healthy balance within the

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).

As you consider family triangles how would you define a family triangle? Please use your own words.

Established through the work of Minuchin and colleagues, Structural Family Theory works to track the family’s interaction and behaviors across a period of time. To understand the

Family boundaries are described as limits that separate one member of a family from another. Boundaries in a family define who is responsible for what, how parents and children interact, and how the family relates with the outside world. Not all boundaries are the same or equal in the domain of family functioning. Three types of common boundaries in a family are described as clear boundaries, rigid boundaries, and diffuse boundaries. (Hoemeyer, 2011)

Family structure can be described as the framework of any family; it details the roles, positions and responsibilities of each family member and describes how they function together as a whole to fulfill the primary objective universal to almost every family, to nurture one another. However, because parenting doesn 't occur within a vacuum, many influences such as culture, ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) can largely affect how a family structures itself.