Family Systems: A Case Analysis

As you read you will learn information of the 1980 movie Ordinary People, the theory of family systems, and how they relate to one another. I will describe some basic information about the movie as well as key points that I feel will connect to the idea of family systems. I will also touch base on strictly the theory of Family systems for a better understand of the characters and plot of the movie.

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.

What Strengths Can You Identify in the family system, and each family member? What internal and external resources does this family have?

The changing composition of the family unit in the United States has been attributed to several factors including historical events, changing cultural values, economic trends, and government policies. There is a reciprocal impact between the changes that have occurred in each of these major systems. Several theories have been presented in an attempt to explain events that occur in both micro and macro social systems. With regard to the family unit, many theories could be applied to explain changes that have transpired. However, two that are particularly relevant and useful in this area are role theory and feminist theory. This paper will explore each of these theories and their application to the evolution of the family system. In

Once I started to read the new few pages, I was able to finally indicate was the relationship statuses for each of the couples. And I can definitely say that these two couples are quite different from one another, especially with Margaret trying to sleep with Kevin. And as I continued to read the novel, I can start to think of an answer for my previous question, in which was about the relationship between the feud between Margaret and Dana over the Civil War. Due to Dana’s bond with Rufus, she would become jealous over that bond, especially since she is his own mother and he would much rather be with a black woman. But this more than a bonding problem, for this is a battle of who can influence the child the most, whether he will be like his

The short film, ReMoved did a great job in producing an emotional illustration of a child experiencing the chaos that is the foster care system and child maltreatment through domestic violence and neglect. The film was informative enough to address popular theories regarding the subject. I believe the family systems theory applies to the story being told; the textbook states, “The theory looks not at the individual but at family interactions. It fixates on how each person is part of a wholes system and on how each family member affects all other members.”(text) The concepts introduced by this theory are shown in the film itself. For example, the girl exhibits a rule by not informing anyone around, of her abusive parents. Also, each family member

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).

Mapping the family structure, see figure 1 as we have done in the genogram above, gives the family an idea shows the family of the different relationships, that are going on within the family and what needs to change. The twins have a knack for getting into trouble and manipulating their parents. In addition to mapping, Having the parents presented as an executive dyad, and joining forces, will present a strong authority figure to the twins. As the movie clearly demonstrates, the twins have a knack for getting into trouble and manipulating their parents. We will have the parents join forces, creating an executive dyad.

The positive effects of a family system during development versus the adverse effects of not having a family system during development.

The first challenge that the William’s family is currently facing in this situation is Steven’s struggle with his transition to parenthood and the subsequent lack of support he is providing to Hannah. The family welcomed a baby girl into their family 8 weeks ago, and both parents will be experiencing a transition. For Hannah, she already has a child and her transition is primarily adjusting to having a newborn and working out a routine for caring for both of her children. This baby is Steven’s first child and his transition includes taking on the new role of a father. Steven has described his deceased father as a harsh disciplinarian who was not warm and occasionally physically enforced discipline. This may influence his own fatherly traits

Family systems theory represents the aspects of a particular family member. Jamie is a teenager; he lives with his family who resembles many of the functions that a family needs to be safe and happy. Jamie has been intrigued by the new reveal of drugs in his environment. At home Jamie shows no evidence of abuse, but he can feel isolated and scared. In the Family Systems theory, they look at the specific Macro view points, and what could have been the reason for what was a tragic ending in this situation. Family System Theory looks at who Jamie was interacting with, what impact it has on other family members and the different rules that were set in place by the parents.

Family is a very complex term that can be defined in many ways. A family can be simply defined as a group of people who are related to each other and live together in the same household. According to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (2004, p. 5), a family is defined as two or more persons who share resources, share responsibility for decisions, share values and goals, and have a commitment to one another over time. The two definitions that were presented clarified the vast complexities of its meaning. The term family can be defined in many ways; however, they all share the same concept and theories of structure and function within the family system. Families in reality, similar to its complex meaning, differ in various ways as well. The elements that cause families to differ from another could be due to culture, parent’s marital status, religion, and social class. Families may differ; however, they share many common elements within the Family Systems Theory and the Family Circumplex Model. All families share common elements such as, family roles, alliances, conflicts, systems and interaction patterns, strengths, cohesion, flexibility and challenges.

this very young age Steven is automatically thinking change is bad every time his stepfather would go out Steven in his mind, knew what was going to happen they would be nervous wrecks waiting his return and there the vicious cycle starts, Steven starts school and flourishes due to the structure being built up, socialisation beginning and the same thing every day this become Stevens safe place, where he can relax without the fear of his step Father bursting in shouting and screaming. And this approach follows him through his school life enabling to have his stability support and care he is seeking.

Jeannette, Lori, Brian, and Maureen are all very close to each other. They depend on each other more than they depend on their parents. They are so close to each other that more than just family their each other friends. Like when the incident with Grandmother Erma happened. Lori immediately went to see what was happening along with Jeannette and Maureen. When their parents got home they explained what happened and when their father didn’t care they stood up to him. They tried to protect each other even if that meant having to get into trouble.

According to Ana 's case the best approach between the Bowen Family Systems, Structural, & or Strategic Model Theory would best have an advantage for Ana is the Structural theory. The Structural theory main focus is to engage in psychotherapy to help individuals feel differently be able to change their thinking and behavior. This treatment can best benefit Ana both for herself and her family through therapy. The process through Structural theory can lead therapy approaches to understand hers and other human behavior, and to treat emotional and psychological difficulties in her life.