Utilizing Structural Family Theory in Case Study
The use of mezzo-perspective is to focus on
Literature Review of Theory
Structural family theory was developed in the 1960’s by Salvador Minuchin, used to focus structural change within a dysfunctional family. The purpose of understanding the structure of the family is to assist in creating a healthy balance within the family while allowing each person to maintain their own identity. Minuchin reported that his theory was similar to the yin-yang concept. Minuchin stated “the only way in which yin can change yang is by changing youself” (as cited by Miller, 2011). Structural family therapy works by developing boundary balances between all the subsystems within the family.
Boundaries
Boundaries …show more content…
255). This type of behavior is common in dysfunctional relationships and in families that are going through divorce. Minuchin et. al (1978) “observed that families may engaged in a variety of triangular processes that could lead to stable coalitions or less stable and shifting alliance” (as cited in Dallos & Vetere, 2011, pg. 120). According to Minuchin research there are three basic types of triangulations; first when parental dissatisfaction leads one parent to seek stimulation or affection outside of the marriage. Consequently, primes the other parent to seek emotional support from third person, such as child or other family member. Furthermore, when parental discord leads to anxiety with at least one parent, the child may create negative behavior to elicit the attention of both parents to focus on the child’s behavior. Lastly, when parental dissatisfaction leads to parents recruiting the child to take sides, thus creating undue pressure for the child to please one parent and at the same time displeasing the other parent (Dallos & Vetere, …show more content…
Background information includes the father, Bob; that grew up with an alcoholic father that was both verbally and physically abusive. Additionally, during high school Bob began drinking alcohol until two friends died in a car accident due to alcohol intoxication. Marie the wife, grew up in a similar situation with her mother abusing alcohol and prescription drugs. Marie, never knew what type of mood her mother would be in so never brought friends home and struggled with her feelings about the situation. When Marie was 15 years old, she found her mother dead from an overdose. Bob and Marie now married, Emily the oldest child has been pulling away from her mother Marie. Additionally, Emily has admitted to having an eating disorder. Brendan the middle child, is having difficulty in school and was reprimanded for fighting. Lastly, Joan the youngest, is currently the perfect child and will assist Marie with anything that needs to be done before being asked. Although this list is not all inclusive, it does provide necessary information to apply structural family theory to the case
The use of mezzo-perspective is to focus on
Literature Review of Theory
Structural family theory was developed in the 1960’s by Salvador Minuchin, used to focus structural change within a dysfunctional family. The purpose of understanding the structure of the family is to assist in creating a healthy balance within the family while allowing each person to maintain their own identity. Minuchin reported that his theory was similar to the yin-yang concept. Minuchin stated “the only way in which yin can change yang is by changing youself” (as cited by Miller, 2011). Structural family therapy works by developing boundary balances between all the subsystems within the family.
Boundaries
Boundaries …show more content…
255). This type of behavior is common in dysfunctional relationships and in families that are going through divorce. Minuchin et. al (1978) “observed that families may engaged in a variety of triangular processes that could lead to stable coalitions or less stable and shifting alliance” (as cited in Dallos & Vetere, 2011, pg. 120). According to Minuchin research there are three basic types of triangulations; first when parental dissatisfaction leads one parent to seek stimulation or affection outside of the marriage. Consequently, primes the other parent to seek emotional support from third person, such as child or other family member. Furthermore, when parental discord leads to anxiety with at least one parent, the child may create negative behavior to elicit the attention of both parents to focus on the child’s behavior. Lastly, when parental dissatisfaction leads to parents recruiting the child to take sides, thus creating undue pressure for the child to please one parent and at the same time displeasing the other parent (Dallos & Vetere, …show more content…
Background information includes the father, Bob; that grew up with an alcoholic father that was both verbally and physically abusive. Additionally, during high school Bob began drinking alcohol until two friends died in a car accident due to alcohol intoxication. Marie the wife, grew up in a similar situation with her mother abusing alcohol and prescription drugs. Marie, never knew what type of mood her mother would be in so never brought friends home and struggled with her feelings about the situation. When Marie was 15 years old, she found her mother dead from an overdose. Bob and Marie now married, Emily the oldest child has been pulling away from her mother Marie. Additionally, Emily has admitted to having an eating disorder. Brendan the middle child, is having difficulty in school and was reprimanded for fighting. Lastly, Joan the youngest, is currently the perfect child and will assist Marie with anything that needs to be done before being asked. Although this list is not all inclusive, it does provide necessary information to apply structural family theory to the case