Family Dynamics!

Hello and welcome to this weeks post! Last week we took a specific look at trends and how much the family dynamic has changed over the past 100 years. This week we are shifting more towards family theories. For some basic understanding, the definition of a theory is an explanation, a set of logically related propositions that explain some phenomenon. In other words, we will take a look at how we can understand why families work the way they do. 

The first theory to understand is called systems theory. This theory states that families must be looked at as one unit instead of isolated from one another. The sum of each person in the family creates a whole. When there is an individual in the family who seems to have a problem, we take a look at the problems coming from the family system instead of the individual. On the specific topic of counseling, if a child is struggling and is brought in to see a therapist, we would want to see the family as a whole and find the root of the issue in the family instead of talking to only the individual. The next theory we will take a look at is exchange theory. Human beings naturally try to keep the costs lower than our rewards when it comes to interaction. If we are in a relationship that is continuously taking more from us than what we give, we will begin to avoid the person or the relationship will break. Those who feel the rewards are reciprocated in a relationship will be more likely to be satisfied in the relationship and maintain it for a longer period of time. Symbolic interaction theory states that humans are seen mainly as perceptive beings who are influenced by interaction and experiences. For example, this theory means that family activities build strong emotional bonds. Gatherings such as meals and holidays greatly reinforce this bond. The last theory we will take a look at today is conflict theory. The conflict within families helps to analyze the roles of authority and power. As people struggle over resources, societies are put into groups by inequality, change, and conflict. 

My favorite topic from learning this week was the impact of family rules and maintaining homeostasis in a family. Family rules are unstated but understood by each family member. Family rules help stabilize and regulate family functioning. What were some of your family rules growing up? For me the biggest one was coming home from school and immediately washing your hands. We knew we weren’t to start anything until we have washed our hands. I want to take a look at rues and relate this to routine. As human beings we thrive on routine and the benefits of this include lower levels of stress which lead to better mental health, more relaxation time, and less anxiety. Without a healthy way to manage stress, you can be put at a greater risk of heart disease and overall negatively impact your health. It’s interesting to me to see the impact of how the family as a unit handles the break of a routine. It can throw things into chaos and make it difficult to maintain family homeostasis. 

Now when I think of homeostasis I go to the body and cells and science. However homeostasis in a family is just as important! It means to have balance. When talking about the family, it means that the family system will work to maintain its typical organization and operations over time, while trying to avoid change. The elements in the family system, will usually intertwine in a way that stabilizes family homeostasis. When homeostasis is thrown off in a family, is it regained by reinforcing the rules that created the relationships. This week, I am going to encourage routine! Get into the habit to be able to have a more stress free and easy life. :)