FAMILY AND CHILD

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2/10/22

T H E FA M I LY A N D T H E C H I L D :

A P S YC H O LO G I C A L V I E W

Psych 441 Spring 2022 Week 2 UMass Boston Peggy Vaughan Family Models: Structural Model and Intergenerational Model

WEEK 2

�We will discuss the structural and intergenerational models and refer to the contextual model.

�We will consider how family models fit and apply to the current needs and understandings of family life.

FAMILY MODEL = A LENS INTO FAMILY FUNCTIONING

Examples of family models focused on family systems theory Structural Model Intergenerational Model Contextual Model Family Stress Model Humanistic - Experiential Model Strategic Communication Model

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FAMILY AS A SYSTEM

MODELS OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING

When looking at family systems, functioning is tied to family process.

A healthy or effective model is one whereby the family is able to effectively execute tasks.

A model or approach is a point of view developed by a theorist and tied to their belief system, values, and ideas about how families develop and change.

All models should be guided by and interwoven with a culturally- informed, culturally aware approach.

THEORIES

�Theories help us to understand phenomena and “definitions of theories refer to constructs, logical relations among these statements or constructs the theory purports as truths, and testable hypotheses derived from the theory” (Fine, M.A. & Fincham, F.D. ,2013, p.1).

�Why do things occur and why do they occur the way they do? � The text details many examples of theories related to family science and family

topics that focus on family functioning.

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FAMILY MODEL = A LENS INTO FAMILY FUNCTIONING

Theories Related to Parenting, Relationships and Gender Socialization (Fine and Fincham, 2013. Ch.2) Family System Theory Sociocultural: Vygotsky and Parent-child Interactions Economic Investment Theory

Family System Theories apply to conceptual models (F. Walsh, 2015; Anderson and Sabatelli, 2011, early chapters). These refer to early thoughts leaders Structural model Intergenerational model Contextual model (upcoming)

CONTEXTUAL CONSCIOUSNESS

To take into account the complexities of attending to the larger context, our definition of contextual consciousness in family therapy education includes three dimensions: (a) consciousness about the inherent power differentials in a person’s social

contexts, including gender, race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation;

(b) sensitivity to clients’ unique experiences within these different contexts; and

This definition highlights a critical understanding of cultural differences as part of a wider set of societal power relations (Almeida et al., 2008; McDowell & Fang, 2007) as well as sociocultural attunement to client experience at the emotional level (Knudson-Martin & Huenergardt, 2010).

STRUCTURAL MODEL

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STRUCTURAL MODEL

Developed by Salvador Minuchin and his colleagues. “Structure” refers to how families relate.

Considered the research with normal families and their own clinical work with “multiproblem” families. The strengths and needs of the family system

SALVADOR MINUCHIN ( 1 9 2 1 - 2 0 1 7 )

A medical doctor and family therapist who was raised in Argentina

Minuchin began his career as a family therapist in the early 1960's (His daughter Patricia entered the family therapy field as well.)

Where others saw only chaos and cruelty on families, Minuchin saw hope.

His work has had a lasting influence.

STRUCTURAL MODEL

� Based on assumptions linked to behavior � The importance of context � The family social context

� a structure or set of rules/demands that organize family interactions

� Structures: solid and adaptable or faulty

� Organizational structures include: � Subsystems are divided and organized � Hierarchical relationships between family: individuals and subsystems � Boundaries within and between subsystems

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DIMENSIONS FOR UNDERSTANDING FAMILY SYSTEM AND FAMILY STRUCTURE

The family’s organizational characteristics

The degree to which the family patterns of transactions are appropriate to the family’s developmental level and maintenance resources The family’s response to stress (Minuchin,1974)

FAMILY ORGANIZATION

Subsystems: Examples?

Factors Hierarchical organization Parenting styles

Parentification of children Consultation and negotiation (siblings, etc.)

BOUNDARIES AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION

Family: Individuals and subsystems

Boundaries Clarity of boundaries: healthy relational patterns Linked to flow of information

Unclear Boundaries Disengagement, enmeshment (over involvement) Other influences?

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FAMILY STRESS AND PRESSURE

FAMILY DEVELOPMENTAL LEVELS AND RESOURCES AND THE RESPONSE TO STRESS

The Structural Model emphasizes the relationship of family structure and life circumstances. What is included in the discussion of family resources and circumstances?

How do available resources and current circumstances interface with the family’s response to stress?

How are coping, adaptation, self-efficacy and resiliency related to the response to stress?

STRUCTURAL MODEL SUMMARY

The Structural Model highlights interdependence. Concerned with family stress, stress thresholds, and adaptation

Importance of clearly defined subsystems, hierarchies, and boundaries. Role of overall flexibility and resources

Critical aspect: Understanding when structures weaken or fail and the impact on psychosocial development.

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I N T E RG E N E R AT I O N A L M O D E L

INTERGENERATIONAL MODELS (WALSH, PP.40-43)

�These models often bridge or refer to psychodynamic, object relations, and family systems theories. � Designed to focus on attachment, separation and individuation as essential for

healthy development � Focused on family-of-origin experiences

� Looked to the ideal of healthy intimacy and acceptance � Encourages therapeutic growth through awareness and insight

� While once more focused on pathology, therapy has now broadened to consider positive experiences (angels)

MURRAY BOWEN (1913-1990)

Bowen was a pioneer in family therapy.

Bowen’s emphasis on theory and insight as opposed to action and technique distinguish his work from the more behaviorally oriented family therapists (Nichols & Schwartz, 1998).

Bowen's therapy techniques were an outgrowth of psychoanalytic theory.

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MURRAY BOWEN’S MODEL

The core goal underlying the model is differentiation of self and how the self functions in relation to others.

Family functioning was linked to the degree of anxiety and degree of differentiation.

The model considers the thoughts and feelings of each family member as well as the larger contextual network and patterns of family relationships.

Related concepts include emotional reactivity, fusion, cut-offs and distancing.

INTERGENERATIONAL PROCESSES

Regulation of internal boundaries:

Management of the emotional climate

Execution of identity tasks How well the family environment encourages others to express autonomy and

individuality/tolerance for individuals to be themselves

DIFFERENTIATION

Differentiation: refers to family system and individuals within the system. Patterns and dynamics of interactions that affect development of self. Capacity for individuals to express individuality within the family.

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KEY ASPECTS OF HEALTHY DIFFERENTIATION

Role of tolerance Family members express individuality and yet remain connected. Able to remain oneself in the face of group influences within the

family.

POOR DIFFERENTIATION

Poorly differentiated family systems have low tolerance for individuality and prefer fusion.

How do poorly “differentiated” families function in relation to family of origin?

SELF IN THE CONTEXT OF FAMILY

Personal structure to organize experiences: cognitive and emotional; conscious and unconscious

Self and differentiation: Extent to which one has successfully resolved emotional attachments to family of origin.

Levels or degrees of differentiation--Bowen metaphor of a scale of 0- 100 (Anderson and Sabatelli; Ch. 4)

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FAMILY INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION PROCESS

Unresolved emotional attachments

Emotional forces in the family or origin

Concepts Fair treatment; projection Ledger and legacy (Ivan Nagy, next slide)

IVAN BOSZMORMENYI-NAGY (1920-2007)

Boszmormenyi-Nagy was a student of Virginia Satir and an accomplished scholar and clinician.

Virginia Satir designed a method of therapy focused on the potential for change and growth, personal skills, and hope.

Multigenerational accounting systems Legacy, family ledger

Boszmormenyi-Nagy's emphasis was on loyalty, trust, and relational ethics -- both within the family and between the family and society -- made major contributions to the field of family therapy since its inception in the 1950's.

MULTIGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION PROCESS

Family legacy: interactions and patterns that operate over time; linked to expectations

Family ledger: accounting system linked to loyalty and indebtedness

Examples: Your ideas:

What happens with the transmission of unresolved emotional conflicts across generations?

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INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION M A N AG I N G U N R E S O LV E D FA M I LY I S S U E S A N D R E S P O N S E S

History has an impact on new relationships.

Individuals expend effort to maintain self and identity within intimate relationships.

There can be an excess of personal and relational conflict and emotional reactivity that is a carryover intergenerationally.

An individual may have a tendency to over-function or under-function: Examples

One may adopt rigid patterns with a lack of flexibility.

For parents: There can be a re-enactment of past with an infant or child when in the parental role.

SELMA FRAIBERG

Selma Fraiberg was a child psychoanalyst and social worker who was a pioneer in infant mental health and parent-child therapy. She worked with parents of children with congenital blindness to support the parent- infant relationship.

She wrote an influential bestselling book for parents, ‘The Magic Years”.

She referred to “Ghosts in the Nursery” in her mental health work. (Fraiberg et al,1975). The ghosts represent when a parent suffered maltreatment or neglect. Harmful past influences: may disrupt current development of infant-

parent relationships Parents may reenact scenes from their own past with their own small

children. Varying levels of remembering events; unremembered events Inflicting pain or ignoring infant as an avoidance of one’s own pain.

ALICIA LIEBERMAN

Alicia Lieberman is a child parent psychotherapist from Paraguay who developed a newer model of parent-child intervention.

She wrote an influential book for parents, The Emotional Life of the Toddler.

In her clinical research article Angels in the Nursery (Lieberman, et al,2005), “angels” are present when parent recalls memories of caring and responsive parenting. Can be thought of as heroes as well. Benevolent influences can also guide the course of development and

healthy infant-parent relationships

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INTERGENERATIONAL INFLUENCES

§Angels and ghosts as “siblings” (heroes as well)

§Protective versus harmful/malevolent

§Exist in a dynamic tension

§Adaptation may win over intrapsychic conflicts or preoccupations

§Lieberman et al: Uncovering of the angels more important than “exorcising” the ghosts §Placing trauma in context; integration of the influences

QUESTION ABOUT INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSMISSION PATTERNS

Why the variance, where most parents who were traumatized or have unresolved issues are able to avoid repetition of the past?

Many parents regardless of experiences find empathy and are nurturant protectors.

UPCOMING CLASSES

More on the contextual Model and Intergenerational Model as well as Intergenerational Transmission

The Need for Intervention: Considerations and planning for the first group discussion time on 2/22: Topic: The Lieberman, Padrón, and colleagues Angels in the Nursery reading and case vignettes/examples