scholarly journals Windows of Opportunity: Family Systems Theory and Developmental Considerations for Supporting Youth, Parents and Clinicians in the Digital Age

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-28
Author(s):  
Steven Barreto ◽  
Sue K. Adams ◽  
Jennifer Daly

Digital technology use is an integral part of children’s and adolescent’s lives. With the rapid evolution of technology, adult caregivers can easily feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of setting boundaries on technology use. Family systems theory offers a unique perspective for understanding how external factors (i.e., technology) can impede or enhance the family system, particularly when integrated into a developmental framework. Five clinical concepts are presented that weave together developmental tasks and family systems theory. This paper offers recommendations for clinicians to help parents understand the potentially harmful consequences of technology use across the developmental spectrum. We also provide recommendations for how to support parents in discussing technology use with their children and adolescents. Lastly, we offer suggestions for how the impact of technology use on development can be integrated into human service courses at the university level.

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110569
Author(s):  
Athena C. Y. Chan ◽  
Marlene S. Stum

Objective: Informed by Family Systems Theory, this study examines the interwoven nature of intergenerational family structures and roles in which elder family financial exploitation (EFFE) takes place. Method: Data from a mixed-methods study were utilized to examine patterns of family structures and roles within and across 23 family systems. Participants were non-perpetrator/non-victim concerned family members (CFMs) who had experienced EFFE. Results: Four family context profiles were identified, organized by the number and roles of victim(s) and perpetrator(s) in each family system, including: Single victim, Single perpetrator; Single victim, Multiple perpetrators; Two victims, Single perpetrator; and Two victims, Multiple perpetrators. It is possible for multiple perpetrators to be involved, with up to five perpetrators across three generations in our sample. Discussion: Findings offer insight into the range of intergenerational family structures and roles affected by EFFE. Practitioners are encouraged to understand and address family contexts to improve EFFE intervention outcomes.


1982 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy V. Wedemeyer ◽  
Harold D. Grotevant

Author(s):  
ANDREW SIGUAN ◽  
MAXIN FENONI THERESE ONG ◽  
SIDNEY IRA MARIE CAÑETE

Parental infidelity largely influences the quality of relationships in the family. In previous researches, the focus is mainly on the dyadic marital relationship of the couples, subsequently failing to consider how this influences the upbringing and well-being of their children. This study aims to explore how adult Filipino children's discovery of parental infidelity impacted their self-concept. Using purposive sampling, the study involved fourteen (14) participants, seven males, and seven females, who were aware of their parent's infidelity. The research used a semi-structured interview schedule to gather the necessary data. Thematic analysis was used to categorize the data into two major themes: (a) Pre-infidelity Family Dynamics and (b) Impacts of Parental Infidelity. The research utilized Dr. Murray Bowen's Family Systems Theory and Self-Concept Theory by Rogers to analyse the themes and to discuss the results of the study. The research helps explain the differences in the impacts of parental infidelity on the family and on the self-concept. Further implications are discussed in the study. Keywords: Parental infidelity; Family systems theory; Self-concept; Thematic analysis


2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Mehta ◽  
S. Robin Cohen ◽  
Lisa S. Chan

ABSTRACTObjective:When a family member is faced with a terminal illness, the impending death presents a crisis and a challenge to the entire family as a system. This article highlights the importance of caring for a family when one member has a life-threatening illness, and describes the applicability of Family Systems Theory and its major tenets to the palliative cancer population.Methods:A MedLine and CINAHL search of Family Systems Theory related papers was conducted.Results:Research studies that have been done fail to capture the view of the entire family system, often limiting the perspectives of the family to one single member. The concepts of holism, balance, boundaries, and hierarchal subsystems must be addressed in the care of any family, including those who have a family member who is dying.Significance of results:A Family Systems Theory framework can be useful in helping health care providers, and particularly nurses, deliver optimal care to palliative cancer patients and their families and standardize the way research is done by providing an appropriate framework with which to study the family. In addition, the adoption of Family Systems Theory as the standard framework from which to study families in palliative care will provide consistency for future studies that is presently lacking. Finally, nursing interventions to care for the family are suggested based on Family Systems Theory.


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