1. Family Systems, Conflict, and Crisis
Family systems theory
Transactional patterns
Types and topics of conflict
Conflict resolution
Functions of conflict
Types of crises
Theories of response to crisis

2. The Family System A set of interrelated parts or subsystems.
Each part serves function for whole; whole supports each part.
Strives toward equilibrium.
Resists sudden change.
Has goals.
Must be treated as a whole

3. Three types of systems Open: Flexible Democratic
Stresses disclosure of feelings
Random:
Chaotic
Individualist
Avoids real interaction
Few or no rules
Closed:
Rigid
Cohesive
Stresses loyalty, duty

4. Transactional Pattern
Family's characteristic pattern of interacting.
Includes
Habits
Rules of communication
Nature of relationships
Definition of reality
Feedback

5. Pseudomutuality May be dysfunctional pattern Includes:
rigid role expectations
fear of change
lack of spontaneity
lack of affection
May appear affectionate and loving in public.

6. Types of Family Conflict
Situational - everyday events, minor, easily resolved
Personality - most difficult to resolve
Structural - major decisions, roles, power

7. Topics of Marital Conflict
# 1 topic: Money
Also: Sex, Children
Underlying these may be the BASIC conflict:
Does s/he still love me?
Do I still love him/her?
Do we still accept our marital roles?

8. Stages in Conflict Management
1. Arguing
2. Fighting fairly
3. Bargaining
4. Mediation
5. If above steps fail, separation

9. Functions of conflict Maintains boundaries Helps recognize the other
Improves communication

10. Crisis Event that brings change in family roles and structure
Outcome may be positive or negative (e.g. growth, adaptation, dysfunction, dissolution)
Chinese character: crisis = opportunity

11. Types of Crisis
Situational: serious problem, arises out of individual situation or circumstances (unemployment, extramarital affair, alcoholism, abuse, etc.)
Developmental: life cycle event or transition (marriage, birth, retirement, etc.)
Endemic: widespread stress (war, famine, economic recession, etc.)

12. Faber’s stages of response
Keep existing roles; denial
Face problem
Make problem public
Reorganization
Freezing out (person or behavior)

13. Hill: Families respond differently to crisis
Response depends on
Definition of problem
Internal structure (flexibility, cohesiveness)
Resources (social, emotional, material, informational)
Origin of problem
internal/ external
expected/ unexpected

14. Adams: Classifying problems
PERMANENT
Examples: divorce, departure of children
Reponse: freeze out person
Examples: disability, mental illness, addiction
Examples: violence, delinquency, infidelity
Response: freeze out behavior
Examples: physical illness, unemployment
Response: wait it out
INVOLUNTARY
VOLUNTARY
TEMPORARY