Respond to two essays 250 words on Family Systems

Family Systems

Teena Kocsis

COUN502 Human Growth and Development

27 January 2014

Dr. Stella Osemwegie

Family Systems

Family systems are categorized as each member playing a critical role in how the family as a whole will function. If at any time, an individual role changes then the family dynamic will also change. These changes may or may not be immediately apparent. The homeostasis or equilibrium is acquired by adjustments being made to compensate. For example, parents set up expectations of behavior for their children. If at any time these expectations are not met, then the parent(s) must either alter the expectation or attempt to alter the behavior in the child through consequences. If not done appropriately, dysfunction may occur (Family Systems Theory, 2014).

Healthy Family System

According to Dr. Susan Ricketson, one can discern a healthy family system by the experience for the family to create balance through interdependence of gender that promote shared power and control, boundaries that define individuality yet permit physical and emotional closeness, and the facilitation of communication (Ricketson, 2009). Everyone is supportive of each other while not losing his or her own sense of individuality. This aspect is important in conflict management so that every member is acknowledged in truth and love. Unhealthy Family System Effects

Parenting styles are used to advocate the desired behaviors from a child and may also have been the underlying factors that helped create the family system in the beginning. The four different examples are authoritarian, permissive, authoritative, and uninvolved parenting (Feldman, 2014, p. 252). The children will react as a result, from his or her environment and the emotional developmental foundation is laid at this time. If a child is neglected, or parents are uninvolved he or she may not only have disrupted emotional development, but physical and cognitive development as well.

In addition to the parenting styles that influence development, how the parents interact with each other is also a factor in sustaining the equilibrium inside the family. For example, the parents that are always fighting can affect the children either by projecting the problems onto them causing anxiety or displaying negative behavior to shift the focus from each other and sharing a common ground in dealing with the child's behavior (Smith, 2014). The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7 that God hears our prayers and we should not be anxious, but be filled with the peace of God in our hearts and minds.

Determining Factors

Resiliency is a positive characteristic that most healthy family systems display. It is the ability for the individual to overcome circumstances in his or her life that could lead to psychological or physical damage (Feldman, 2014, p.258). This knowledge provides a positive basis to allow a family to cope with issues that may arise. II Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind".

Family System Details

Other factors that Ricketson (2009) states that are taught in a healthy family system and how they affect physical (neural), emotional, spiritual, and social development are :

· Relationship with self: learning to love and respect yourself, learning to be responsible and accountable for your life without excessive control or compulsion.

· Interpersonal life: learning to relate to other people in healthy ways in which the spiritual integrity of each person is maintained.

· Spiritual life: gaining a trust in a Spiritual Force in the universe that is beyond the power of you and your parents.

· Emotional life: learning to honor your feelings and share them appropriately with others, having a voice that is heard.

· Mental life: leaning to use your mental capacities in a balanced way to solve problems and to keep an active and curious mind.

· Physical challenges: learning to ride a bicycle, build a tree house  and any other things you may wish to try that are relatively safe for you to do that are “normal” child behaviors.

· Sexual life: guilt free and responsible sexual balance that is age appropriate for yourself.

Conclusion

This essay shows how the relationship between family systems and healthy development is very important. The process starts with the individual and affects the significant others, the children, and extended family. If an unhealthy family system is in place, the members of the family will experience unnecessary hardship and will not be able to cope effectively in relationships outside of the family dynamic. Once the structure of a family system is identified it is easier to support changes that may need to be made or reinforced.

References

Family Systems Theory, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/

Feldman, R. S. (2014). Development across the life span (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Ricketson, S.,2009. Healthy Family Systems and Relationships. Retrieved from http://drsusanricketson.com/articles-by-susan/healthy-family-systems-and-relationships/

Smith, H.,2014. Understanding the Family as a System. Retrieved from http://smith.soehd.csufresno.edu/system.html