The Family System Theory: Relation The Family Systems Theory

832 Words2 Pages

Rhonda is originally from Chicago, Illinois she moved to Gulfport, Mississippi in 1996 to raise her children in a better environment. James is originally from Gulfport, Mississippi, he has lived here all of his life. They both have children but their children are grown, and have children of their own. Rhonda is the Assistant Court Administrator and Chief Deputy Clerk at Harrison County Youth Court and James is a retired truck driver. Rhonda has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and James highest level of education is his high school diploma and 1 ½ years of college, they are considered your average middle-class couple. Even though they are not legally married, they still address each other as husband and wife in private and in public. Relation …show more content…

Our book states, “A family is not simply a group of individuals who operate or behave independently from one another; rather, a family operates on the principle of wholeness” (Bigner & Gerhardt, 2013, p. 56). Rhonda and James’s situation with Tristian is a prime example of interdependence; their situation shows how one family member’s misfortunes can directly affect another family member. Even though Rhonda and James was not allowed to see Tristian like they wanted to prior to him being taken away from his mother, they still were affected by the chaos caused by her. I believe this is because of the patterns that formed in the way they communicated when Tristian was born. Even though Tristian’s mom was erratic, verbally abusive, and just difficult to deal with, Rhonda still allowed her to drop Tristian off whenever she wanted. I would be first to say they should have set some kind of boundaries to keep Tristian’s mom in check but as I think deeper, setting boundaries with a person like her could backfire. She felt comfortable enough to call Rhonda when DHS was on their way to take her children, if boundaries were set earlier on, she may not have called and Tristian could be in a foster care facility. Interdependence, patterns, and boundaries are all concepts of the family systems theory that should be applied accordingly to the situation at hand. Families may face similar problems but they all handle them

Show More
Related

  • Brice Family Case Study

    1016 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to smith and Hamon (2012), Families are considered as a whole in society. However, they believed that couples have many components in which makes up the family, if one component is missing, the family as a whole can get unbalance (Smith & Hamon, 2012). In the Brice’s family, communication was the component that was missing. The couple was not able to communicate their differences, which was what caused Carolyn and David to verbally insult each other. Smith and Hamon (2012), also explain that a person who expresses his or her feeling is considered as someone who is breaking the functions of their family system; especially if the person is focusing on the individual who is causing the problem, rather than the problem itself. In the Brice family, Carolyn could be considered the one that cause the dysfunction in the family structure because she was focusing on David as the problem of their marriage, rather than focusing of the elements that are causing their problems. Smith and Hamon (2012) explain that individuals should focus on how to solve a problem, rather than trying to find who is causing the

    Read More

  • Summary Of The Movie 'Jumping The Broom'

    1625 Words  | 4 Pages

    According to Chibucos et al. (2005) boundaries are found in every family system. Boundaries define the family system based on the amount of permeability (i.e., the inflow and outflow of information) allowed into the system (Whitchurch & Constantine, 1993). Becvar and Becvar (1999) have indicated that the degree of permeability also specifies the openness or closedness of the family system (i.e., the boundary’s level of flexibility). It is important to note that all family systems are considered open systems, as the system will always experience some type of interaction with the environment. Thus, it is the degree of openness that dictates family members’ ability to adapt and change in a changing environment, which can differ greatly across systems (Whitchurch & Constantine, 1993). For this reason, both the Watson family and the Taylor family are considered as open systems, but each have distinct boundaries that differentiate one from the other. In the film, the union of Jason and Sabrina represent the process of boundary formation in which each family member will soon become a part of each other’s family system. In particular, Pam and Claudine (the matriarchs of the families) are both highly critical of each other’s system as well as the acceptance of new family members. Throughout the film, each of them resists accepting and adapting to the changing

    Read More

  • The Quality of Relationship Between the Carer and Care Receiver

    1331 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the case of Ann and Angus (K101,Unit 1,pp.14-19), this was an informal type of home care based on the previous and existing relationship between Ann and her step-father Angus. Liz Forbat (K101,Unit 1,p.27) interviewed 6 pairs of people involved in family care and believed that people became carer and cared for in the context of an existing relationship so the strengths and weakness of those relationships were played out in the care relationship. Ann had the right skills to make a successful care relationship with Angus as she loved and supported him and still allowed Angus to remain an individual and respected his beliefs and preferences. Though her own relationships with her other family members were under pressure and her own life had drastically changed. However, while Ann was caring for Angus she was crossing the normal boundaries of her previous...

    Read More

  • Difference Between Family Systems And Structural Family Theory

    735 Words  | 2 Pages

    Murray Bowen developed family systems theory. This transgenerational model looks at how a family’s history informs their present functioning. Today it is a prominent model used by today’s family and marriage mental health professionals. Derived from psychoanalytic thinking and sometimes called natural systems theory, it posits that families are living and evolving systems shaped by chronic anxiety transmitted through its generations. Anxiety is aroused when individuals attempt to balance their individual identity with being a part of a family. This balancing act inevitably causes anxiety, triggering biological coping responses instead of healthy cognition and reasoning (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2012). Erford

    Read More

  • Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory In The Television Show

    929 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • The Goldbergs Case Study

    952 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • Structural Family Theory Case Study

    717 Words  | 2 Pages

    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.

    Read More

  • The Family Systems Theory And The Family-Development Theory

    964 Words  | 2 Pages

    Since the 20th century, researchers have sought out solutions to help assist families and the individual components that make up family systems overcome the challenges and schisms that can inhibit individuation and stability. Two theoretical perspectives, the family-systems theory and the family-development theory, were conceived to gain as Balswick & Balswick (2014) noted, gain “a wide-angle view of family life” (p. 22). Though these two theories have merit, one I found to be more advantageous in gaining a better understanding of the family as an actively metastasizing organism, which needs to be approached more adaptively.

    Read More

  • Precious: Systems Theory And Family Systems Approach

    970 Words  | 2 Pages

    For Precious, I have used a Systems theory/ Family Systems approach to evaluate and summarize her needs and interventions. One of the crucial aspects that I have addressed is that being removed from the abusive environment is crucial for her and her two children. At the moment she is able to stay at a half-way house that can accommodate her and her children. She is able to also utilize childcare while she attends her alternative school. I have spoken with Precious, and she states that she wants to get her own place and raise her children. Being that she is 17, she is still considered a minor so we spoke about how certain obstacles may bar her from leasing an apartment right away. I have made a referral for her

    Read More

  • Human Services

    1968 Words  | 4 Pages

    The family dynamic offers multiple perceptions and needs, these may require addressing matters individually as well as on a group level. There may be matters such as domestic violence or substance abuse which requires both individual and family counseling and resources. In times of crisis families need education and coping strategies in order to regain their lives back. The necessities of the family may entail emotional and medical support requirements depending on their situation. When there is a possible case involving violence the focus may turn to more than medical and emotional support and possible removal of the children from the home may be required.

    Read More

  • Family Systems Theory

    1148 Words  | 3 Pages

    The family structure is made up of individuals living together in intimate groups with the purpose of caring and supporting each other. Rules and boundaries, spoken and unspoken, are developed by the family members. Family rules and boundaries change and shift over time in order to evolve and grow as a family unit. Some changes are subtle, but some events force major change within the family system. This paper applies the concepts of systems theory to the family system in the movie Sweet Home Alabama. Reese Witherspoon (Melanie Smooter) and Josh Lucas (Jake Perry) star in this heart-warming film telling a story of a young woman who flees from Alabama to reinvent herself in New York City as a high fashion designer. She leaves behind her redneck husband and white-trash upbringing. Melanie finds herself engaged to the cities most eligible bachelor and has to return to Alabama to request a divorce from her first love and confront her past ("Alabama," 2002).

    Read More

  • Family Systems Theory

    944 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to Richard Charles (2001) “the effectiveness of family systems theory rests not much on empirical research but on clinical reports of positive treatment outcomes, the personal benefits experienced by the families that underwent this kind of treatment, and the elegance of Bowen’s theory” (p. 279). Bowen’s family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and is a theory of human behavior. Systems thinking is used to describe the complex interactions in the unit. However, the client’s ability to differentiate himself/herself from the family of origin is the basis for Bowen’s family systems theory. In addition, the primary focus for growth within the emotional system is differentiation of self.

    Read More

  • Sociology of Family

    1149 Words  | 3 Pages

    "A family is a small social group of people related by ancestry or affection, who share common values and goals, who may live together in the same dwelling, and who may participate in the bearing and raising of children. They have a physical or emotional connection with each other that is ongoing" (Vissing, 2011) and is the foundation of all societies. They can be formed by a grouping of father-mother-children or even more complicated combination of relatives. In the primary stage of family life in the United States, everyone from every generation lived together in one house. Subsequently, the idea of traditional family evolved and a married couple with children is at present, often called the traditional family. There are many types of families; however, this paper will focus on the traditional family. It will describe how the functionalist perspective, conflict perspective, and the interactionism theory apply to the sociological institution known as a family. It will explain some of the similarities and differences between the sociological theories in regards to families and how they affect the family members.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Modern Family

    1863 Words  | 4 Pages

    The television sitcom Modern Family produced by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd shows the many different types of a modern American family. According to Andrew Hampp, “The show is among the most-viewed scripted programs in prime time in its second season, averaging 11 million viewers during original airings and often ranked as the most DVRed program most weeks” (2). The television show is a frequently watched show and is liked by many viewers. Modern Family's storyline helps the families of viewers by being an influential and relatable show to different types of families. The show is about the lives of three different families that are all related. In the show there are Jay and Gloria, an intergenerational couple with two sons-- Manny (from Gloria’s previous relationship) and Joe, their new baby. Jay’s adult son Cameron is married to his gay partner Mitchell, and they adopted Lily from Vietnam. Finally, Jay’s daughter Claire is married to her heterosexual partner named Phil and they have three children. The show is influential to our culture today because it shows these different types of families and addresses controversial themes such as gay adoption, the different family connections and communications, intergenerational coupling, and acceptance of diversity within an extended family. The family is easy to relate to while watching because it is based off of real family situations.

    Read More

  • The Family As A Social Institution

    3202 Words  | 7 Pages

    In order for society to meet the basic social needs of its members, social institutions, which are not buildings, or an organization or even people, but a system whose of social norms, mores and folkways that help make people feel important. Social institutions, according to our textbook, is defined as a fundamental component of this organization in which individuals, occupying defined statues, are “regulated by social norms, public opinion, law and religion” (Amato 2004, p.961). Social institutions are meant to meet people’s basic needs and enable the society to survive. Because social institutions prescribe socially accepted beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors, they exert considerable social control over individuals.

    Read More

More about The Family System Theory: Relation The Family Systems Theory

Open Document