FAM THEORIES RESEARCH

Family Theory

A set of relatively specific and concrete concepts and propositions that describe, explain, or predict something about the family.

Concepts

Building blocks of theory that create mental images or abstract representations of phenomena of a study.

Propositions

Statements about the relationship between two or more concepts.

Hypothesis

A way of stating an expected relationship between concepts or an expected proposition.

Conceptual Model

A set of general propositions that integrate concepts into meaningful configurations or patterns.

Conceptual Framework

A way of integrating concepts into a meaningful pattern, less definitive than conceptual models.

Research

A systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem that needs a solution.

Nightingale

A supportive institution for family members throughout the lifespan, having both positive and negative influence on family members.

King’s Goal Attainment Theory

A vehicle for transmitting values and norms and emphasizes the interaction between nurse and family as client.

Roy’s Adaptation Model

An adaptive system with input, internal control, feedback processes, and output; focuses on adapting to health issues.

Neuman’s System Model

A goal to maintain stability by preserving the integrity of its structure through boundaries; describes family as a dynamic system.

Orem’s Self-care Deficit Theory

A basic conditioning unit for individuals to learn roles and responsibilities, focusing on the family’s self-care behavior.

Rodger’s Theory of Unitary Human Beings

Describes a constant open system energy field changing as it interacts with the environment.

Friedeman’s Framework of Systematic Organization

A social system with the goal to transmit culture to its members.

Johnson’s Behavioral System Model for Nursing

Involves adjusting with internal and external forces for stability and focuses on organized interactive subsystems.

Parse’s Human Becoming

Describes the continuous evolution of the family through experiences and the role of therapeutic communication in nursing; continually becoming and evolving

Denham’s Family Health Model

Considers family health as contextual, functional, and structural, emphasizing dynamic routines and health-related behaviors.

Structural-Functional

Views families as an institution and examines how they function to maintain their social networks.

Symbolic Interaction

Focuses on interactions within families and the symbolic communication they use.

Developmental Theory

life cycle of families; Describes the universal, sequential cycle of family life and normative stages of family development.

Family System Theory

Examines circular interactions among family members that result in functional or dysfunctional outcomes.

Family Stress Theory

Analyzes how families experience and cope with stressful life events.

Change Theory

Explores how families maintain stability or adapt when changes occur within their structure.

Transition Theory

Concerns understanding and predicting the transitions families undergo over time.

Developmental Theory Example

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development and Duvall’s 8 Stages of family cycle; Imply a universal, sequential cycle to family life when they describe the evolution of a family

Structural Dimensions

How the family is organized and the relationships among its members.

Functional Dimensions

What the family does including socialization, reproduction, health care, economic function, and affective function.

Role in Family

The status or position a member holds within the family.

Values in Family

Inherited faith and culture passed from one generation to the next.

Communication in Family

A means for understanding oneself and others within the family context.

Power Structure in Family

Demonstrates the interaction and position of the members within the family.

Systems Theory

Explains how life phenomena can emerge from forces inside an organism; focuses on family as a context for human development.

Structural Family Therapy

Views the family as an open sociocultural system facing demands for change.

International Family Therapy

Focuses on a system of interactive behaviors, emphasizing clear communication and adjusting family rules (interactive or interlocking)

Family Systems Therapy Theory

Encourages family members to differentiate from family emotion and examine their processes for insight; differentiation of self from family & intellection from emotion