Family Systems Theory

FAMILY SYSTEMS THEORY

DP Sed 101Child and Adolescent Development

When you move any one piece, all the other pieces move too! They do not exist in isolation from one another, and “movement” in any one part of the “system” will affect all the rest of the parts of the system.

INTERRELATEDNESS

SYSTEM

What is Family Systems Theory

Family systems theory is more than a therapeutic technique.  It is a philosophy that searches for the causes of behavior, not in the individual alone, but in the interactions among the members of a group.  The basic rationale is that all parts of the family are interrelated.  Further, the family has properties of its own that can be known only by looking at the relationships and interactions among all members.

Patricia Munichin

- is a Professor Emerita at Temple University in Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania and Codirector of Family Studies, Inc. Trained as a developmental psychologist, she has been interested in bringing a

developmental orientation into clinical work with families and a

systemic perspective into psychological research.

Characteristics of the family system:

– External and internal family boundaries– Family rules– Family role organization– Power distribution among family members

(equilibrium)– The communication process

External and internal family boundaries

A family has an invisible boundary that helps to define it as separate and different from other systems.

There is a wide range of boundary styles ranging from open to closed.

A family has internal boundaries that define how family members relate to each other.  These are subsystems based on generation, sex, interests, etc.

Family rules

Families maintain stability by developing rules about how to live together.

Families have rules about everything.  Some rules are explicit and some are not.  Some can be discussed and some cannot.

Families vary in the kind of rules they have, whether they can be discussed, how easily they can be changed, and how they are enforced.

Family role organization

Role organization varies greatly among families.

Ideally, roles within the family are both clear and flexible.

Power distribution among family members (equilibrium)

Families develop characteristic ways to make decisions and to resolve conflict.  Distribution of power usually shifts over time with needs of the members.  It is important that there be a reliable, predictable pattern of power distribution.

The communication process

Each family works out its ways of operating through a communication system.  Families have many rules about communication which can be located on a scale ranging from open to closed.  There is no one "ideal" type, and different styles work for different families.

FAMILY SYSTEM

The family is not just a collection of individuals.  It is a whole larger than the sum of its parts.

A Delicate Balance A change in the family situation means

readjustment of the total system and can pose problems and challenges for every single member.

A Stable But Open System Every family is faced with the test of allowing for

growth and change while maintaining the integrity of the system.

The Four Parenting StylesAccording to Patricia Munichin

2. 1.

4. 3.

Authoritarian Parenting

Children are expected to follow strict rules established by the parents. Failure to follow usually results in punishment.

Authoritarian parents fail to explain the reasoning behind these rules.

IMPACT:Children who are obedient and proficient, but rank lower in

happiness, social competence and self-esteem.

Authoritative Parenting

Establishing rules and guidelines that their children are expected to follow.

Parents are responsive to their children and willing to listen to questions.

Parents are more nurturing and forgiving rather than punishing.

IMPACT:Result in children who are happy, capable and successful.

Permissive Parenting

Referred to as “Indulgent Parents,” have very few demands to make of their children.

Rarely have discipline because they have relatively low expectations of maturity and self-control.

Generally nurturing and communicative with their children.

IMPACT:Children rank low in happiness and self-regulation.

Children more likely to experience problems with authority and tend to perform poorly in school.

Uninvolved Parenting

Characterized by few demands, low responsiveness and little communication.

Generally detached from their child’s life.

IMPACT:Rank lowest across all life domains.

These children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem and are less competent than their peers.

ACTIVITY

Given how the current generation has been greatly influenced by the advancement of

technology, parents are justified to be authoritarian in their parenting style.

REFERENCES

www.bluffton.edu/courses/tlc/nathp/.../familysystems.ppt

www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200601/ChristianBTJ.pdf http://web.pdx.edu/~cbcm/CFS410U/

FamilySystemsTheory.pdf www.dss.mo.gov/cd/info/cwmanual/section7/

ch1_33/sec7ch1.htm www.slideshare.net/Marianne0895/family-system-

model

WORD FOR THOUGHT

“The attitude you have as a parentis what your kids will learn

from more than what you tell them.They don't remember what you try to teach

them.They remember what you are.”

- Jim Henson

Reported by:Edwin EstreraDPE Feb 5, 2013Cebu Normal University