PERSONAL THEORY FAMILY DEVELOPMENT 2
Concept Paragraph
To fit the dynamic structures of families, a universal definition of family is needed. A
traditional family have been believed to consist of a man who provided for the family’s needs, a
woman who worked in the home, and a child who heavily relied on their parents. Previously, the
term “family” was defined as two or more people affiliated by blood, marriage, and societal
standards. Nevertheless, contemporary issues have flooded society and triggered drastic
transformations in the way families are formed. To identify a personal theory of families as they
experience their life course, a proposed definition of family and an analysis of the continuous
and structural changes experienced by families serves as an introduction. In addition, we will
clarify the functions of marriage, spirituality, and religion within the family and discuss possible
advantages. The exploration of sexuality, parenthood, and later life will provide insights into the
writer’s perspective of the importance of these ideas in the formation of families. Although there
is a plethora of modalities to assist in family development, you will discover preferred theories of
family therapy. In addition to the above, the writer will review the significance of recognizing
how families form and evolve in marriage and in family ministry in addition to the factors that
were previously addressed.
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Introduction
It is a difficult task to solidify a firm definition of family. The famous quote by Sir Walter
Scott, “Blood is thicker than water” counteracts what many people would consider as family. It
implies that the relationships you choose are not as important as the ones you are born into.
However, Garland (2012) emphasizes that faith and choice overrules the preceding definitions of
family. The proposed definition of family is people who are judged worthy to be family over
time, regardless of marriage, biological relationship, and social bonds. According to Balswick et
al. (2021) the family unit is affected together and separately by transitions in family life and
family members come and go.
Marriage and Development
Marriage and its function are not significant in family development. It is God’s plan for
our life, but the right to personal happiness protrudes the idea of commitment to marriage as
institution (Balswick et al., 2021). Additional research compliments this idea and argues that
there are risks associated with the adjustment to parenthood, as evidenced by the steady average
reductions in new parents’ satisfaction with their responsibilities and their marriage (Cowan et
al., 2001). Those who decide not to pursue marriage will be blessed with new family within the
church of Christ (Köstenberger, 2010).
Religion and Spirituality in Family Development
Many people have strayed away from religion and spirituality being the foundation of
family development. People who no longer desire a relationship with God nor continually
seeking him ultimately experience inner conflict, emotional depression, and turmoil.
Köstenberger (2010) the world and the church both suffer as a result of rejecting God's design for
marriage and the family. The wisdom of Solomon provides understanding on how to live a godly
life by discovering God’s will for your life. God has a plan and the closer you get to him the
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more he reveals that plan to you. According to Mahoney (2010), religious beliefs were proven
beneficial in parent-child relationships to promote discipline, communication, and bonding.
Sexuality and Family Development
Sexuality plays a pivotal role in the development of individuals and families. Kuvalanka
et al. (2013) asserts that family is the setting in which sexuality is first understood. Individuals’
views and beliefs regarding sexuality, as well as their understandings of it, are shaped by the
experiences they have with their families during infancy and into adulthood. Similarly,
McGoldrick et al. (2016) carefully articulates that human sexuality focuses on the process of
biological maturation and how it leads to adult sexual development and experience.
Parenting and Family Development
Parenting does not come with a manual, but the biblical principle of parenting is a
steppingstone to raising children. Parenting affects the “here and now” of the family dynamic but
also future generations. The adoption of a proclamation emphasizes that every child has the right
to the optimal environment for their maximum development and growth (United States Public
Health Service, 2000) This idea underscores the importance of healthy development in children,
including their spiritual growth, and it highlights the significant role that caregivers play in the
process. A crucial component of parenting is teaching parents how to be good parents and how
children grow and develop (Balswick, et al., 2021; Köstenberger, 2010).
Later Life
Change is uncomfortable and older people are already stuck in their ways. However, an
expansive view is necessary, one that acknowledges the possibility of transformation,
development, and fresh knowledge (McGoldrick et al., 2016). At this point in their lives, older
adults who are empty nesters move into new housing arrangements, anticipate retirement,
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renegotiate their relationship. look forward to having grandchildren, identifying potential bonds,
and can experience chronic illness. McGoldrick et al. (2016) contends that family is an
indispensable asset when it comes to caregiving; and providing a sense of worth, sustainable
emotional attachments, and human dignity during older years to the end of life.
Preferred Theory of Family Therapy
Bateson (2001) asserts that a variety of models are required to mode and remodel
individuals’ response to the changes of our swiftly changing world. Families respond favorably
to cognitive-behavioral therapy because it highlights the relationships among family members
and the various factors should be considered to make substantial improvements (Yarhouse &
sells, 2017). Structured family therapy is effective in helping families when they seek help
because it focuses on individuality in a relationship to promote success of the family goals.
Conclusion
Individuals must adapt as the family unit grows and changes over time. An integral part
of sustaining your family is increasing your faith and trusting God. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
reminds people that God will guide us, but it requires a commitment of trust. Its impossible for
God to lead you where you will not follow.
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References
Balswick, J. O., & Balswick, J. K., & Frederick, T. V. (2021). The family: A Christian
perspective on the contemporary home (5th ed.). MI: Baker Academic.
Bateson, C. (2001). Composing life. NY: Grove Press
Cowan, C. P., Cowan, P. A., Heming, G., & Miller, N. B. (2013). Becoming a family: Marriage,
parenting, and child development. In Family transitions (pp. 79-109). Routledge.
Garland, D. (2012). Family ministry: A comprehensive guide (2nd ed.). IL: IVP Academic.
King James Version. (1987). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/
Köstenberger, A. J. (2010). God, marriage, and family: Rebuilding the biblical foundation (2nd
ed.). IL: Crossway.
Kuvalanka, K. A., Weiner, J. L., & Russell, S. T. (2013). Sexuality in families: The (re-) creation
of sexual culture. In Handbook of Marriage and The Family (pp. 423–447). Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3987-5_19
Mahoney, A. (2010). Religion in Families, 1999-2009: A relational spirituality framework.
Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(4), 805-827. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-
3737.2010.00732.x
McGoldrick. M., Garcia Preto, N., & Carter, B. (2016). The expanded family life cycle:
Individual, family, and social perspectives (5th ed.). OH: Allyn and Bacon.
U.S. Public Health Service. (2000). Report of the Surgeon General’s conference children’s
mental health: A national action agenda. DC: Department of Health and Human
Services.
Yarhouse, M. A. & Sells, J. A. (2017). Family therapies: A comprehensive Christian appraisal.
IL: IVP Academic.
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