The Family System

According to Simons et al. (2004), “the family is considered to be the most significant social system in which all individual function” (p. 96). The family consists of many synergistic and intricate parts, creating a unified working system. Within the family system, each individual plays an important role in its healthy or unhealthy development, needs, desire, and specific family type, and overall success. “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesian 4:16, ESV). The family system is influenced by all elements ranging from spirituality, culture, traditions and genetic makeup and most of all

Members are more likely to develop negative psychological, developmental because of the lack to supply these needs. All needs are essential; however, one’s physical (food and shelter) need cause the direst effect. The lack of shelter and food causes malnourishment depriving the body of much needed protein for survival in which alter one’s physical and mental development. This cause thin body, underdevelopment (short body), low energy, anemia, or death (Santrock 2009). Mentally, the rising numbers of behavioral problems among children could suggest that some families are struggling to cope with the increasing stress they are experiencing due to the lack of their basic need (Simons et al. 2004). Infants and small children who are exposed to an unhealthy family system and the home experience add emotional stress that can harm to their social development. The effects of an unhealthy family system cause social problems such as withdrawal, loneliness, loss of confidence, school problems, anxiety and depression, and alcohol or drug abuse which could lead to criminal behavior. Exposure to domestic violence in childhood has been linked to a similar set of outcomes, including low self-esteem and social withdrawal overall effecting the emotional development. Family counseling would be a great way to counteract the effects of these unhealthy relationship (Jacobs et al,