Family Theory

To get a full understanding of family theory one must first have the understanding of what is theory. Theory is a systematic collection of concepts and relations. Family however can mean a broad range of things to a person. One person may consider family to be father, mother, sister and brother; however, to someone else family could be just one parent with one child; and to another it could their friends. Family systems theory however defines the family as a system. Family consist of interrelated parts, each impacting the other and adding to each other’s growth (or detriment) of the other. And because family is always changing, growing, self-organizing, and becoming accustomed to each other and the exterior environment (White & Klein, 2008). Now let’s take a look at the

In The Family Crucible, Augustus Napier and Carl Whitaker’s form of therapy was strongly influenced by family systems theory, a burgeoning theory of the time. General systems theory examines relationships between elements that constitute a whole (Andreae, 2011, p. 243). When applied to families, this theory views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit (The

It comes down to focusing on what is the cause of the problem and what needs to be done to resolve it. Some assumptions that are related to this theory can include families normally related to one another in “patterned ways that are observable and predictable” (Linblad-Goldberg & Northey, 2013), most families have rules that each must follow and roles they are to play in the family unit, when they get off balance then dysfunction can and normally does occur. It is important that families have boundaries which include both inside and outside of the family. Families also have subsystems which can be based on either generation or genders.

In family system theory, it is believed that the impact of the relation of individuals on their lives is more than on a counselor and the individuals play a very important role in order to recover faster. In this system, changes in a family comes due to the interaction between the family individuals and therefore more emphasis are put on the relationships within a family which plays important role in the well being of a family with regard to psychological health (Titelman, 1998).

In Tan’s essay the approach is far different. Tan describes the mother as someone who is blunt and straightforward. She speaks with the language that she knows. While it is different

Developed by Carter and McGoldrick (1988), the family life cycle views dysfunction in relation to normal functioning, It frames problems within the course of the family as a system moving through time. The individual life cycle takes place within the family life cycle (Carter & McGoldrick, 1988, p. 4). The foundation of the theory assumes that all families go through predictable change precipitated by life events and sometimes-unpredictable events (Azar, 2017b, 6). As these changes are occurring, the family must be able to adapt accordingly in order to avoid dysfunction. This may involve tasks that must be negotiated as they become more complex, and new roles and operations.

Power, dynamics and stress have an effect on family and marriage livelihood. Family and marriage examinations help therapists to identify relational developments, family developments and the stress factors involved. The therapists are able to determine the systemic aspects seen in a family relationship through establishing time for dialogical communications (Harold Goolishian, 1988). The studies can either be based on fictional prospects or scientific research. The relational theories and processes involved help in studying a particular connection among the family members. Through applying psychological hypothesis in the case study, it helps people to understand the different behaviors of people.

The systems Perspective sees human behavior as the outcome of interactions within and among systems with interrelated and interdependent parts; as defined by its boundaries. Changing one part of the system affects other parts and the whole system, with predictable patterns of behavior (Hutchinson, 2015). The family system has been a widely used theory of family interventions and assessment. The family systems theory is focused on the family dynamic, involving structures, roles, communication patterns, boundaries, and power relation (Rothbaum, 2004). Many theorist such as Bowen, developed the systems theory that focuses on how a

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.

The role of intergenerational patterns is often used when referring to negative behaviors that are profoundly repeated throughout different generation (Birkenmaier, Berg-Weger & Dewees, 2014). Papero (2009) on the other hand, specifically linked the term intergenerational to relationship patterns that are being transmitted from one generation to another. To bring to light the immersion of intergenerational patterns, a brief understanding of Bowen’s Family Systems Theory is imperative. Bowen’s theory comprises of eight concepts and a major variable known as anxiety (Papero, 2014). All seven concepts address the family system while the eighth focus mainly on the social function of the society (Papero, 2014). In fact, one of the eighth concepts in Bowen theory is multigenerational transmission process playing an important role with intergenerational patterns. While conducting a systematic analysis of three generations within Lani family system, specific behaviors that were demonstrated were dysfunctional boundaries, marital outcomes, anxiety and transmission of parenting style.

Dr. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist, offered us the family systems theory. This theory views the family as an emotional unit, further providing a thinking systems approach to describe the complex interactions in the unit. Bowen offered, “A change in one person’s functioning is predictably followed by a reciprocal change in the functioning of others” (Kerr, 2000). If one person within the family unit is having a difficult time, it effects everyone within the family unit. An example of this would be a father who is the primary breadwinner for his family suddenly loosing his job. Prior

The Bowen family systems theory can utilize to understand the Gillison’s family dynamics. According to the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family (2016) the Bowen family system theory views family as an emotional unit that utilizes systems thinking to comprehend the complexity of the interactions within the unit. The theory describes families as having a major influence on their member’s thoughts, feelings and actions, which leads them to feel as if they are composed of the same “emotional skin”. The members of families, according to this theory, are driven by each other’s attention, approval, and support. The members therefore, react to each other’s expectations and wants and needs. The family is therefore interdependent. One change in one member’s function leads to a change in the functioning of the others. This is evidence in the case of the Gillison family.

Due to 12 hours uncomplicated vaginal delivery Mrs. Robinson given birth to a baby boy and soon after delivery patient responding well to the instructions and more concern about caring the baby alone and the baby breastfeeding was normal. But, by the fourth post-partum day baby was crying constantly due to this Mrs. Robinson unable to sleep and finds difficult to cope up with the situation. Next day, she looked messy, exhausted and crying. Following the day baby has stopped crying and patient relieved greatly. After that started feeling herself as a poor mother and regrets herself to have a baby.

We can also use family origin theory to explain Daniel’s avoidant disorder. Rovers (2004) identified family of origin as “the living unit in which a person has his or her beginnings physiologically, psychologically and emotionally” (Rovers 2004, 44). Also Rovers (2004) explained that it is within the context of one’s family of origins that experiences of one’s current self-images, behavior and style of relating to others is developed. This is applicable to Daniel as his upbringing affected is adult life both psychologically and emotionally. Rovers (2004) further pointed out that “the present day attachment patterns can be discerned and better understood by assessing family of origin experiences” (Rovers 2004, 47)

According to Michael Kerr (2000), Bowen family systems theoryis a theory of human behavior that sights the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to relate the complex interactions in the unit. It is the nature of a family that its members are furiously connected emotionally. Often people feel distant or disconnected from their families, but this is more feeling than fact. Families so deeply affect their member’s thoughts, feelings, and actions that it often seems as if people are living under the same “emotional skin.” People seek each other’s attention, approval, and support and react to each other’s needs, expectations, and upsets. The connectedness and reactivity make the work of family members interdependent. A change in one person’s functioning is foreseen followed by reciprocal changes in the functioning of others. Families differ somewhat in the degree of interdependence, but it is regularly present to some degree.