Family Systems

How is family formally defined?

A group with reciprocal relationships in which members are committed to each other.

What is a nuclear family?

Children who reside with their biological or adoptive parents.

What is a single-parent family?

Children who live with only one parent.

What is an adoptive family?

Children who are formally adopted into the household.

What is a blended family?

Children who live with one biological/adoptive parent and a non-related stepparent.

What is a cohabiting family?

Children who live with one biological parent and a non-related adult (not married).

What is an extended family?

Children living with one biological/adoptive parent and a related adult (ex. grandparent, aunt, uncle).

What are other families?

Children living with related or non-related adults who are not adoptive or biological parents (ex. foster families, adult siblings).

Can family be “chosen”?

Yes, later in life individuals may choose their family (friends, partners, support people).

Why is family considered important in health and development?

Family is the first system a person is attached to, the most influential system throughout life, and healthy family relationships support the well-being of all members.

What is differentiation of self?

The process of becoming an autonomous, independent individual distinct from the family unit.

When does differentiation of self occur in toddlerhood?

Toddler realizes they are separate from parents; often expressed through saying “no.”

When does differentiation of self occur in adolescence?

Teen defines themselves outside the family unit; makes independent decisions (career, lifestyle, religion).

What are some examples of adolescent differentiation?

Tattoos, piercings, substance use, staying out late, or adopting a different religion.

When does differentiation of self occur in young adulthood?

Establishing independence from family by moving out, becoming financially independent, and starting adult roles.

Can differentiation occur outside of toddlerhood, adolescence, and young adulthood?

Yes, during major life transitions such as divorce or leaving a long-term relationship.

What are key characteristics of a functional family?

Open communication, support, respect, trust, play, humor, shared activities, privacy, shared responsibility, traditions, and seeking help.

How do functional families show affirmation and support?

By encouraging and uplifting each member.

What role does respect play in functional families?

Members teach and model respect for others.

How do functional families build trust?

By ensuring safety, reliability, and dependability among members.

Why are play and humor important in functional families?

They strengthen bonds and promote positive interactions.

How is privacy respected in a functional family?

Individuals are given personal space and their boundaries are honored.

What do traditions and rituals contribute to a functional family?

They create identity, unity, and shared meaning within the family unit.

How does communication function in a healthy family?

Communication is clear and understandable, with members encouraged to openly express feelings and thoughts.

How is management handled in healthy families?

Adults agree on important issues like rules, finances, and future plans.

How is management handled in dysfunctional families?

Management is chaotic; sometimes children make important decisions.

What do healthy family boundaries look like?

Clearly defined, distinguishable roles that are understood and respected by all members.

What do dysfunctional family boundaries look like?

Enmeshed (overlapping roles and feelings, unclear identity) or rigid (inflexible rules, minimal communication, isolation).

How do healthy families support socialization?

Members interact, plan, cope in healthy ways, adapt as the family matures, and children learn to function in family and society.

How do dysfunctional families impact socialization?

Children fail to learn healthy socialization skills, leading to difficulty adapting to society.

How are emotional needs handled in healthy families?

Needs are met most of the time, members show concern for one another, and conflict/anger do not dominate.

How are emotional needs handled in dysfunctional families?

Negative emotions predominate; members often feel isolated, fearful, and lack concern for one another.

What is scapegoating in families?

A less powerful member is unfairly blamed for family problems.

What is an example of scapegoating in families?

A child blamed for the family missing an outing when the real issue is lack of money.

What is triangulation in families?

A third party is pulled into conflict between two members.

What is an example of triangulation in families?

A parent allies with a child against the other parent.

What are multigenerational issues in families?

Emotional/behavioral problems that persist across at least three generations

What is an example of multigenerational issues in families?

substance abuse, divorce patterns, violence

What is blaming in dysfunctional families?

Shifting responsibility to others to avoid accountability.

What is an example of blaming in dysfunctional families?

“We’re late because of you,” when the parent didn’t plan ahead.

What is manipulating in dysfunctional families?

Using dishonesty or hidden agendas to control others.

What is an example of manipulating in dysfunctional families?

A parent guilts a child into keeping secrets.

What is placating in dysfunctional families?

One member takes responsibility for all problems to keep peace.

What is an example of placating in dysfunctional families?

A child says, “It’s my fault,” even when it isn’t.

What is distracting in dysfunctional families?

Inserting irrelevant info to avoid addressing problems.

What is an example of distracting in dysfunctional families?

Changing the subject during arguments instead of resolving them.

What is generalizing in dysfunctional families?

Using broad terms like always or never instead of specifics.

What is an example of generalizing in dysfunctional families?

“You never listen to me” or “You always ruin everything.”

What is the overall focus of family therapy?

Addressing family needs and dysfunction, improving family functioning, and building understanding and positive interactions among family members.

What are the main goals of family therapy?

Teach families effective ways to manage mental illness, improve communication, strengthen coping/problem-solving, and promote healthier boundaries and interactions.

What does "family as a component of society" mean in therapy?

It examines how families interact with the community and is used to design population-focused interventions.  Example: Public health parenting programs to prevent abuse.

What does "family as a component of society" mean in therapy?

It examines how families interact with the community and is used to design population-focused interventions.
Example: Public health parenting programs to prevent abuse.

What does "family as a system" mean in therapy?

Views the family as interconnected; each member’s actions affect the others. Interventions target family interactions.
Example: Addressing sibling conflict to reduce stress for the entire family.

What does "family as a client" mean in therapy?

Focuses on the functioning of the whole family unit first, then individual needs.
Example: Evaluating how a family communicates during crises.

What does "family as a context" mean in therapy?

Focuses first on the individual’s needs, then considers the role of the family in supporting or hindering them.
Example: Treating a teen’s depression while helping parents reinforce coping skills.