3 Main Family Theories - Answers Systems, Developmental and Structural/Functional
Systems Theory - Answers Part of a larger supra-system composed of many subsystems. Looks at a
family as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts, a change in one family member affects all family
members.A balance between change and stability.
Limitations of Systems Theory - Answers Does not provide specific guidance, does not always provide a
view of the family over time.
Developmental Theory - Answers 8 Stages. Looks at family as a life cycle
Developmental Theory - Stage 1 - Answers Beginning families
Developmental Theory - Stage 2 - Answers Early childbearing families
Developmental Theory - Stage 3 - Answers Families with pre-school children
Developmental Theory - Stage 4 - Answers Families with school children
Developmental Theory - Stage 5 - Answers Family with teenagers
Developmental Theory - Stage 6 - Answers Families as launching centers
Developmental Theory - Stage 7 - Answers Families of middle years
Developmental Theory - Stage 8 - Answers Families on retirement and old age
Structural/Functional Theory - Structure - Answers Who the family is.
family form, roles, values, interrelationship, communication style, power structure
Structural/Functional Theory - Function - Answers What the family does.
Affective (personality maintenance), socialisation (social placement), reproductive/sexual, economic,
protective/therapeutic/health care, educational, recreational
Problem based perspective of family assessment - Answers Aims to use a problem solving method to
understand and treat a clients problem. chooses problems over strengths. Generates protocols and
processes (plan of corrective action to follow)
Solution based perspective of family assessment - Answers Health problems are as important as health
adaptation. Aims to understand problems and strengths to promote resilience and health progression.
Values both problems & strengths. Imagination and reason - reinforces present health lifestyle by
building on strengths, achievements and capacity
, Genograms - Answers Demonstrate internal family structure and its wider context. usually includes 3
generations. simple pictorial representation
Calgary Family Assessment Model - Answers Composed of structural , developmental and functional
assessments
Calgary Family Assessment Model - Structural assessment - Answers Internal: composion, gender, sxual
orientation, rank order, sub systems, boundries
External: Extended family, larger systems
Calgary Family Assessment Model - Developmental Assessment - Answers Stages, tasks, attachments
Calgary Family Assessment Model - Functional Assessment - Answers Instrumental: activates of living
Expressive: emotional, verbal & non-verbal, communication, circular communication, problem solving,
roles, influence & power, beliefs, alliances & coalitions
Friedman Family Assessment Model (FAM) - Answers Takes a macroscopic approach to family
assessment. Views the family as a subsystem of society. Enables nurses to assess the family system as a
whole, as part of the whole society, and as an interaction system
Family Assessment and Intervention Model - Answers Grounded in Betty Neumon's health care systems
model. Also now referred to as the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAMIM).
The theory is grounded in a systems perspective in which the family is seen as a system with subparts in
interaction with each other.
Family Systems Stressor-Strength Inventory (FS31) - Answers Focuses on identifying stressful situations
occurring in families and the strengths families use to maintain healthy family functioning.
Each family member is asked to complete the instrument on an individual form before on interview with
the clinician
Australian Family Strengths Nursing Assessment Guide (AFSNAG) - Answers Designed to provide nurses
with a range of questions across the eight qualities of Australian family strengths
These eight qualities of family strengths were identified by Australians as being important to them.
The tool encourages the nurse to have conversation with a family across the eight qualities of family
strengths.
Australian Family Strengths Nursing Assessment Guide (AFSNAG) - Strengths - Answers Communication,
togetherness, sharing activities, affection, support, acceptance, commitment, resilience.
PHC and Child Development - Macro - Answers Cultural values and beliefs
PHC and Child Development - Exosystem - Answers neghbourhood, community