Family Systems Theory Essay

Family systems are a relatively modern theory of modern development. Beginning in the early 1960’s the social science fields began integrating a new theory into how the worked with families and the interactions between the operations of a family structure and its effect on child development. Over the next ten years this new idea formed into what we call today Family Systems Theory (Broderick, 1993). The idea was that the inner workings of a family structure have a significant impact on the mental, emotional and physical development of the children in the home. This follows the socio-cultural theory set forth by Lev Vygotsky that proposes that the way cognitive development proceeds is contingent on the social interaction between members of a
specific culture (Feldman, 2014), in this case the family.
Family system, is defined as “n.pl the social interactions, patterns, and interdependence that exist between members of families, especially as they pertain to the impact of one member's illness on the others in the family.” (Medical Dictionary).
Every interaction between members of a family effects how the other members view the world in general. This is especially true of a child witnessing the interactions of adult members of the family as they learn what is expected of them and how they are to behave in this all important mini culture.
A healthy family system teaches the growing child safe and healthy boundaries, how to communicate effectively to get their needs met and how to resolve any conflicts between individuals. This family creates an atmosphere that is nurturing and stimulating to allow a child to safely explore their world. The end result is a productive member who is securely attached (Feldman, 2014), self-confident and compassion of
others.
Conversely, when the family system falls into dysfunction, the developing child has to create ways of protecting themselves from harm. These coping strategies, though effective in the short term, are dysfunction and detrimental to other relationships they develop outside the structure of their family of origin. A child raised in a dysfunctional family system often develops attachment disorders, behavioral disorders, and can lead to the development of debilitating psychiatric disorders. Dysfunctional family systems can also cause serious physical changes in the brain structure and function (Taliaferro,PhD,MPH & Borowsky, MD, PhD, 2012).
Physical brain malformation can be caused by child abuse by inflicting injuries on the brain directly, neglect through malnourishment or lack of interaction that causes the brain to fail to create appropriate neural pathways, and by behavioral example of dysfunction adults that creates neural pathway connections for undesirable social interaction (Parfitta, Pikea, & Ayersb, 2014).
Dysfunctional family systems have far reaching consequences for the individuals but also for our society as a whole.
A child who has been effected by dysfunctional family systems often grows into an adult that cannot function effectively in our society and therefore ends up on its’ fringes. These children often become societies outcasts; vagrants, chronically mentally ill, criminally insane, predators, psychopaths, or even mass murders to name a few. These individuals make poor choices in their lives based on a faulty outlook on social interactions, through no real fault of their own. Yet we cannot allow their neural dysfunction and poor choices to cause harm to others around them. This is how we have become a nation of over-populated jails and prisons, stressed public mental health agencies, and ever increasing prevalence of self-harm and suicide (Malcolm,
2007).
Science has come a long way in the last 40 years in understanding how family dynamics affect development and some of the ramifications of failing to correct dysfunctional family systems as early as possible. Continue research and profession practice will likely continue to augment our understanding of family systems and how to proceed with early intervention if not prevention of the enormous consequences of dysfunctional families on the developing mind.
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9 (NIV)