The family and its individual members’ wellbeing depends on the degree to which the family is able to fulfill its functions. Friedman, Bowden, and Jones (2003) divides family functions into affective, socialization, reproductive, economic, and health care functions. The affective function is a vital function of the family and it is consistent with providing emotional nurturing, understanding, helping, communicating, and acceptance within the family (McCreary & Dancy, 2004, p. 695). Based on the presented scenario which describes the multiple layers of problems the Davis family experiences, it is evident that the family is not meeting the affective function. Shakeeka and her second husband Ben live in different states and contact between them …show more content…
During this stage, the socialization of children and gradual separation from parents occurs; relationships with peers and school achievements are important for children during this time. During this stage, the developmental task for couples is to preserve a valuable relationship with each other (Friedman et al., 2003, p. 121). The Davis family have a diminished ability to achieve these tasks. Shakeeka’s daily living resembles more of the lifestyle of a single mother than a married woman. Not only Ben’s presence is limited, but Shakeeka cannot always count on his emotional support; both spouses have their own lives and set of problems. Long distance relationships and living separate lives undermines the prospect of building a strong marriage; especially that they have been married for only a year and they are still establishing their relationship. Isaiah’s socialization is also not on the right track and his friends do not necessarily motivate him to achieve success in school; he was already caught shoplifting with his friends and there is possibility that he may decide to join the gang. Sheera is also affected by the disturbed family situation and does not want to go to school. In all aspects, the Davis family is far from achieving the expected stage of their developmental
Family therapy is often needed when families go through transitions such as separations between parents and divorce. According to research, “the power of family therapy derives from bringing parents and children together to transform their interactions” (Nichols, & Davis, p.18), as problems need to be addressed at their source. The children who are the most vulnerable, when parents decide to separate, exhibit symptoms which are exaggerations of their parent’s problems (Nichols, & Davis, p.18). Frank and Walt Berkman are the examples of how children cope and adapt to the stressors of family separations such as marital separations and
Young, P. (1991). “Families with adolescents,” in F. Brown (Ed.), Reweaving the Family Tapestry, (New York: Norton), pp. 131-148.
Eric Davis, anatomy and physiology teacher at Hempfield Area High School is more than your typical high school teacher. He has become an inspiration to students that choose to take his class year after year while also majorly changing how many high schools view the human body. He has pioneered physiology in high school settings, with his class being one of the few known physiology courses offered to high school students.
Having a family is no easy task, especially when you are faced with many challenges that are unforeseen. Sometimes one imagines or hopes for an ideal family. The ideal family would consist of a spouse, one or two kids and live happily with little to no conflicts. The reality is that even if one tries to avoid conflict by all possible means, conflict is inevitable. Stressors and strengths within a family can be seen in almost every situation. Although stressors tend to be more noticeable than the strengths. Some of which will be discussed later on, although it will be mainly focused on the strength and stressors faced after a divorce for children. But if one focuses on the stressors more than the strengths, one will only see stressors rather than solutions.
According to Murray Bowen’s family systems theory, the family subsists in a system where as the individuals are inseparable from their network of relationships, but continue to strive to be individualized. Consequently, various forms of these networks are grounded in the domestic structure and the “normal” or “ideal” family and development derives from the interaction of the family members when they remain differentiated, unease is minimal, and partners have beneficial emotional communication with their own family members (Nichols, 2014). The concept of achieving individuality while remaining in a cohesive family unit may cause stress. Concepts such as differentiation of self, triangulation, emotional cutoff, and anxious attachment may aid in the elucidation of the family system. This theoretical concept along with these coinciding terms will be explored through one episode of the television series The Goldbergs called Rush.
Napier provides a crucial exploration of the therapy of a family struggling with battles for the structure of their family and battles to define and grow their relationships with one another. Napier and Whitaker seamlessly and purposely work with each family member, educating and
According to Murray Bowen’s family systems theory, the family subsists in an arrangement, whereas the individuals are inseparable from their network of relationships, but continue to strive to be individualized. Consequently, various forms of these networks are grounded in the domestic structure and the “normal” or “ideal” family and its development is derived from the interaction of the family members as they remain differentiated, anxiety is minimal, and partners have beneficial emotional communication with their family members (Nichols, 2014). Subsequently, the idea of achieving individuality while remaining in a cohesive family unit may cause stress. Concepts such as differentiation of self, triangulation, emotional cutoff, and anxious attachment may aid in the elucidation of the family system. This theoretical concept along with these coinciding terms will be explored through one episode of the television series The Goldbergs called Rush.
Fred, Wilma, and Rose present an interesting perspective when looking at their family through a Structural Family Systems Theory. When trying to work with the family a social worker will utilize Functional Family Therapy in order to understand their structure and maybe ameliorate some of the family’s problems. Using Rose and her family as the clients it will be able explain what interventions we can use when we learn the constructs of the theory.
Structural Family Therapy offers a framework that provides order and meaning within the family connections (Nichols, 2013). Divorce for a family is considered a significant transition for all parties involved. When counseling a family going through divorce the structural family therapist’s job is to build an alliance with the family and obtain information about the structure. The structure of the family consists of the roles, interactions, organization, and hierarchy. Family therapy yields the belief that changing the organization of the family leads to change in the individual members. The structural family therapist often will try to become part of the family to gain a perspective of their issues as whole so not to place the focus on one individual. Joining is an empathetic approach in helping families explain and break down their individual stories without uncomfortable challenge or unnecessary confrontation (Nichols, 2013). It is important to note that family dysfunction that often leads to divorce is not attributed to one individual, but the entire family system. In structural family therapy, part of dealing with the issue of divorce in the family is to focus on the interactions between all the family members both positive and negative. Through these interactions the therapist can discover where the conflicts arise, which will in turn help the therapist understand how these negative interaction affect the family. Family therapy in these cases allows for repair of long-standing interactional patterns in which divorce is just one of a series of ongoing transactions that are disruptive to the child’s development (Kaplan, 1977, p.75). The structural family therapist often has the family play out these family interactions via enactments so that he can get a firsthand look at maladaptive patterns, roles, and
Families.” University of Delaware – Human Development and Family Studies. N.p., 2008. 1-36. Web. 13 Dec. 2013.
All children will go through changes as they grow from childhood to adulthood. This change is and significant part of one’s development, known as adolescence. The relationship a child has with his/her family is a big impact on why most young teenagers...
According to Dyk, the family life has become complicated because of a number of stressors. These stressors include the difficulties that people face on a daily basis, in shape of physical, emotional and psychological needs. Moreover, while families have to maintain social relationships,
Increasing divorce rate - a.... ... middle of paper ... ... Offspring’s adjustment relies on certain factors: socioeconomic status, parental disaster and relationships between parents and children. Despite the divorce, some children are able to skip these difficulties, if parents are aware of the proper approach (attitude) to children. Children feel honored when parents have a kind relationship with each other and take care of their children. Therefore, parents should sustain (encourage, continue) pertinence with children after separation, and only in that case children can cope with pain (hardship, adversity) and become more successful.
As a social worker it is often complex to determine which theory to employ in practice, each client will warrant for an in-debt assessment of the presenting problem and goals the client desires to achieve. This paper will explore one family intervention model that can be applied to the Taylor family. The two theories analyzed are Cognitive Behavioral Family Theory, (CBFT) and Structural Family Theory (SFT); both theories can be utilized when assisting individuals or families. The social worker will focus on the Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy model when applying treatment and interventions to the Taylor family case.
“Family stress theory emphasizes the active processes families engage in to balance family demands with family capabilities as these interact with family meanings to arrive at a level of family adjustment or adaptation” (Patterson, 1988, 1989, 1993). In order for a family to be resilient, it ...