Family Structures, Stress Models, and Parenting Styles in Human Development

Nuclear Family

Typically consists of two parents and their children living together.

Extended Family

Includes relatives beyond the nuclear family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Intergenerational Households

Families that include multiple generations living under one roof.

Individualistic Orientation

Emphasizes personal goals and independence (common in Western cultures).

Collectivist Orientation

Emphasizes group goals, family loyalty, and interdependence (common in many Asian, African, and Latin cultures).

US Census Bureau Family Definition

People related by birth, marriage, or adoption living together.

Primary Function of Family in History

Providing economic support, socialization, reproduction, and emotional security.

Characteristics of Strong Families

Clear roles, open communication, emotional support, adaptability.

Characteristics of Dysfunctional Families

Poor communication, conflict, neglect, unclear roles.

Functional Families

Adapt to stress and change, provide support, and communicate effectively.

Stress in Families

Can be caused by external or internal factors.

ABCX Model

A = Stressor event, B = Family's resources, C = Family's perception of the stressor, X = Crisis or outcome.

Predictable Stressor

Known, anticipated stress events (e.g., childbirth).

Distress

Negative stress causing dysfunction.

Code of Ethics (CFLE)

Standards guiding Certified Family Life Educators.

CFLE Components/Principles/Content Areas

Include family dynamics, human growth, interpersonal relationships, ethics, and professional practice.

Vision Statement

Future-oriented declaration of CFLE's goals and values.

Personal Philosophy

Individual beliefs guiding family life education practice.

Indirect Assessment

Gathering information about families through non-intrusive methods like interviews, surveys, or observations.

Family Science

The study of families, their roles, development, and dynamics.

Parenting Styles

Authoritative (high warmth, high control), Authoritarian (low warmth, high control), Permissive (high warmth, low control), Neglectful (low warmth, low control).

Stress and Parenting Styles

Stress can affect parenting behaviors and effectiveness.

Psychological Effects of Parenting Styles

Authoritative often linked with positive outcomes; authoritarian and neglectful linked with negative outcomes.

Triangular Theory of Love (Sternberg)

Elements: Intimacy (emotional closeness), Passion (physical attraction), Commitment (decision to maintain relationship).

Strong Family Characteristics

Clear roles, good communication, emotional support, flexibility.

Dysfunctional Family Characteristics

Poor communication, conflict, neglect, unclear roles.

CFLE Code of Ethics

Standards guiding Certified Family Life Educators.

Authoritative Parenting

Warm and firm; children tend to be confident and socially skilled.

Authoritarian Parenting

Strict and less warm; children may be obedient but less happy.

Permissive Parenting

Warm but lax; children may struggle with self-discipline.

Neglectful Parenting

Uninvolved; children may have attachment issues and poor self-esteem.

Family Definition by US Census Bureau

People related by birth, marriage, or adoption living in the same household.

Impact of Stress on Parenting Styles

Stress can reduce patience and consistency, leading to harsher or more neglectful parenting.

Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

Intimacy (emotional closeness), Passion (physical attraction), Commitment (decision to stay). A healthy relationship often includes all three, but the balance can shift over time.

CFLE Code of Ethics Principles

Respect for family diversity, confidentiality, professionalism, and promoting healthy family functioning.

Predictable Stressors

Expected changes (e.g., marriage).

Distress in Families

Negative stress leading to dysfunction or crisis.

Vision Statement in Family Life Education

It sets a future-oriented goal, guiding principles, and the purpose of family life education efforts.

Strong Families

Have open communication and clear roles.

Dysfunctional Families

Often have poor communication and role confusion.

Childbirth as a Predictable Stressor

An example of an expected change in family dynamics.

Marriage as a Predictable Stressor

An example of an expected change in family dynamics.

Moving to a New Home as a Predictable Stressor

An example of an expected change in family dynamics.

Starting School as a Predictable Stressor

An example of an expected change in family dynamics.

Difference between Strong and Dysfunctional Families

Strong families have open communication and clear roles, while dysfunctional families often have poor communication and role confusion.