Family Systems Theory is of many theories that focuses and helps one understand family system, one of the most important parts of our life, and how it works. It is based on the belief that family is a system comprised of various elements. In order for family to function properly, these factors must work efficiently and affectively. The factors are also linked with each other i.e. if one of the elements is affected than the other ones are affected as well. It also suggests that, members of the family cannot be understood independently, but rather as a part of their family. However, each family is different and behaves differently because of infinite personalities, emotions, philosophies cultural background etc. Since families and their traits tend also change or evolve over time, this theory also tries to explain how the change might affect the family as a unit. Family Systems Theory
The systems theory is based on 4 main concepts that are linked with one another: Family Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a process of maintaining balance. Since a family should be a functional unit, emotions, responsibilities, rules, limitations etc. of each member of the family must be in balance. These may be based on family’s economy, cultural background, community they live in, age of the family and its member along with other numerous factors. A sudden change in these factors may cause a family to move out from homeostasis and cause disorganization and chaos. For example, if there was a change in a member’s schedule, from evening to morning and weekends, who was responsible for preparing breakfast and doing laundry work, it might cause family to drift away from homeostasis since member could not fulfill these responsibilities. It depends on family itself on how there are going to deal with the situation but until then, the family drifts away from homeostasis which causes stress to the family. Another important aspect for maintaining homeostasis for any family is communication. Family that cannot communicate properly cannot function efficiently as well. One might not understand what others are expecting or have full awareness of their responsibilities without proper communication. Communication however is most necessary when the family moves away from homeostasis and drifts towards disorganization and chaos. Family can regain homeostasis faster with proper communication. Roles and Rules
The Essay on The Family Structural Theory 2
The Family Structural Theory provides a method in which a nurse is able to identify how family members interact with one another to establish a baseline. These interactions create patterns of behavior that the nurse is able to focus on when assessing how, why, and under what circumstances family members behave in their assumed roles, how they are organized as a family, what their established ...
Roles. Roles are usually traditionally based and passed around from one generation to another over time. For example, usually father or the oldest member is the head of the family and mother is the nurturer. The role of the family might also depend on the age, health and maturity of the family. The roles of the family members might differ if it consists of under aged children when compared with the family that consists of matured working adults. Each member of the family has to take a particular role in order for family to function properly. Rules. Rules are normally unspoken, understood and should be followed. Rules, just like roles, might vary of multiple factors. Rules and role go hand in hand. For example, father who is the head of family and a provider is also expected to protect the family, do the physical work if rest of the members are not able to do so etc. A family should have stable, defined/ understood roles and rules but they should be open to change with time and changing situation. As with my previous example of work schedule change, if the member was not able to prepare breakfast then some one else should step in, adapt or modify their responsibility according to the necessity and the previous member should also modify and take new responsibilities like picking up groceries which he did not do before in order to balance responsibilities among members. Disorganization and Chaos.
These are the results of change in homeostasis and caused due to disruption in rule and/ or roles. Going back to the previous example, when there was a change in schedule, he was not able to fulfill his responsibility. That will cause stress in the family system. The amount of stress depends on family’s flexibility and willingness to adapt with the situation. If someone else steps up or easily accepts to take that member’s responsibility than there is less stress, disorganization and chaos compared to if no one was willing to take that step. The disorganization might also be due to lack of clarity in rules and roles. If the rules and responsibilities are not clearly defined, or is unorganized, one might not know what he/she was expected to achieve and complete. This results in miscommunication, inefficiency, conflict etc. and impacts family negatively. Family Subsystems
The Essay on Family and Life Story Work
?In this assignment I aim to discuss life story work: which can provide the care worker, and care receiver a better understanding of each other’s needs, and provide the care worker with information that can help support the care receiver in the best way. The carer needs to possess certain skills sensitivity, confidentiality, empathy, trustworthiness, and have commitment to seeing the story to the ...
Mother and father subsystem. Typically, there are the heads of the family as they are they are provider, primary caregiver and are responsible for making important decisions. The homeostasis of the family also heavily relies on them. If the parents are stable but flexible, responsible, respectful with each other, then its more likely that children will follow their path and act accordingly. Sibling subsystem. They are brothers and sisters and usually dependent on their parents. They are expected to follow and obey responsibilities and rules set by the Mother and Father Subsystem. They also play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis. If the sibling, especially the oldest one, sets a good example in following rules, and adhering to their roles, then rest of the siblings tend to follow them which makes it easier to maintain homeostasis in the family. Family Systems Theory
My family is not much different than any other typical family. It consists of my parents, a younger brother and me. We all have our own responsibilities. Both of my parents work and have day jobs. The work is also divided equally between them. My mom focuses on kitchen work and shopping while my dad uses his energy on yard and garden work. Dishes, laundry and other chores are part of my responsibilities. My brother was responsible for doing the dishes and vacuuming the entire house, cleaning restrooms and other general cleaning every Sunday. When my brother transferred to UC Santa Cruz, we were short of a working hand. However, we all knew that we had to distribute his part of responsibility and work equally among us. My dad took over the vacuuming and I did other cleaning. We did got give any part of his work to my mom because already has too much in her plate. The rules of our family are unspoken but yet understood. We have always been very comfortable in adapting with the changing situations. Obviously, we also face some problems just like any other family.
The Essay on Parents Responsibility
Unlike mothers, fathers do not always have 'parental responsibility' for their children. With more than one in three children now born outside marriage, some parents may be unclear about who has legal parental responsibility for their children. What is parental responsibility? While the law does not define in detail what parental responsibility is, the following list sets out the key roles: • ...
There are times when my brother and I argue over responsibilities, chores etc. In such case, our parents come in and define the rules if needed. As they are the head of the family and take unbiased judgment, we follow the rules they set respectfully. These adjustments are also made quickly depending on the severity of the situations. For example, when my mom or dad gets sick then my brother and me step up automatically and do the cooking or do the yard work even if we don’t like doing them. Once they well again, they take their responsibilities back. Culture and tradition passed by our ancestors and our financial status plays a critical part in defining our family’s system. The way we talk and the subjects that we talk with our parents are different than what we talk with our friends. We do not use foul language when we are at home, every one prays first thing in the morning etc. are very few ideologies that have been passed from one generation to other.
As a family tradition, we are expected to have dinner on the table together without any cell phones or other distractions. This is our time when we talk about our day or any other important aspects of our life. Now, this might be some thing unnecessary for some other families as they might have other, yet similar modes of communications. We plan vacation every year together as family. However, when my dad got laid off from his work, we took that year off and did not plan any thing even if we had enough savings in our account. Similarly, my mom and I took extra shifts to compensate our finances. Our ability in being stable but flexible, adapting to change helped us to maintain a happy family. Since family is the most important part of life, if we want to be happy, we have to maintain a healthy family that not only loves and respect one other but also is willing to be stable and flexible, adapt to change and try all possible attempts to maintain homeostasis in their family.
The Essay on Schizophrenia Recovery Things In Life
2. Recovery: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. It's only natural to want to get back on track and begin to participate in life again. Recovery can only begin, however, when there is a desire to be healthy. As I talk with families who have a loved one with schizophrenia or any other serious mental illness, the topic of how to motivate him / her away from a destitute life spent watching t. v. on ...
Refrences
Boss, P. (1979).
Theoretical influences on family policy. Journal of Home Economics,71(3) Dohrenwend, B.S. (1973).
Social status and stressful life events. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
