need rewrite on masters level extremely short paper

FAMILY SYSTEMS 5

Family Systems

Azurdee Brown

Liberty University

Family Systems

The theory of family systems is noted to have been advanced by Dr. Murray Bowen. According to the theory, human beings cannot exist in isolation (Titelman, 2014). Instead, to understand them, human beings have to be studied about their families. Each member has a role to play within the family that is not independent of the others. There are consequent, different types of family systems, as are relationships between the members. A healthy family system directly contributes to healthy development.

There are certain ways through which one can discern a healthy family system. These characteristics range from the evidence of commitment to spending time together, communication, appreciation as well as coping skills and even spirituality. Family members, for instance, need to be committed both to the family as well as to each other. In this case, one does not let matters outside the family take prominence over those of the family system. Other than commitment, healthy family systems have evidence of communication between the members. In instances of conflict, members need to actually listen to the views aired by all individuals within the family system. Consequently, determining factors that distinguish healthy family systems include effective communication and commitment. An unhealthy family system is more likely to lack in these traits.

In the consideration of the above distinguishing traits, one thing that stands out is that there is a relationship between family systems and healthy development. As a child grows in the family, the system can provide either positive or negative effect on their development. The influence of the family system on the development of the child is considered among the most important of environmental influences. Within the family, the child can learn responses and interactions within the social context as well as dealing with different parenting styles. A healthy family system creates a balanced environment for growth as children learn positive relationships. On the other hand, an unhealthy family system leads to insecurity among other mental struggles for the child. As noted, therefore, unhealthy family systems have negative impacts on development.

In particular, family systems affect the physical, emotional as well as spiritual and social development of the individual. Healthy family systems create an enabling environment for the physical development of the child through positive parenting and encouraging physical activities through the day to day activities (Bethell, Pck & Schor, 2001). In an unhealthy system with a lack of communication, it becomes impossible to note any physical, developmental problems the child might be facing. On the other hand, healthy family systems through the facilitation of communication, also nurture affection and general emotional closeness, aiding the child through emotional development (Bethell, Pck & Schor, 2001).

Family systems refer to groups of individuals who cannot exist in isolation thus dependency on each other is accompanied with particular interdependent roles. Healthy family systems go a long way in encouraging healthy development. To discern healthy family systems, certain characteristics are notable. These characteristics include a commitment to spending time together, communication, appreciation as well as coping skills and even spirituality. An unhealthy family system is more likely to lack in the mentioned traits. Consequently, while a healthy family system will result in the growth of an active and socially secure individual, unhealthy families lead to some insecurities. In particular, physical development is encouraged through the day to day activities while social development is encouraged through positive communication and emotional closeness. Studies need to be further conducted on how the positive impacts can be encouraged through a continuation of healthy behaviors as well as the impacts of withdrawing healthy characteristics from the system after individuals have matured.

References

Bethell, C., Peck, C., & Schor, E. (2001). Assessing health system provision of well-child care:

the Promoting Healthy Development Survey. Pediatrics, 107(5), 1084-1094.

Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: Human development for helping

professionals (4th ed.).

Kagitcibasi, C. (2013). Family, self, and human development across cultures: Theory and

applications. Routledge.

Titelman, P. (2014). Clinical applications of Bowen family systems theory. Routledge.