Family Theories

There are four Family Theories that describe the interaction between family members and the internal dynamics of different parts that individual families play within their own lives.

The first theory is the System Theory. Typically, within this type of family, each family member has a separate role which are not important or successful on their own, but mixed with the roles of other family members becomes a strong group. This can be commonly seen among families where parents are not around all the time. More specifically, the children become a pact and one sibling will take on the role of the peace maker, one as the "mother" of the group, one as the maid, etc. On their own they are insufficient in keeping the family strong, but together they make an unstoppable group, using their individual roles and subsystems.

The next theory is Symbolic Interaction. Within this theory, actions of family members are symbolic to something. For example, if you are in the car with your significant other and they suddenly stop talking after an argument, it is symbolic in the fact that they are trying to make a point. A common issue among this type of interaction is that many individuals assume meanings of actions before checking with the other person to see if that is how they really felt.

The third is Exchange Theory. Individuals try to get as much out of a relationship as they are putting in. A lot of the time, we withdraw out of relationships if we feel like it is not worth it or if they are not putting in as much effort as we are.

The last theory is called the Conflict Theory, which is the most commonly known theory of the four in my opinion. This can be explained simply that influence is equivalent to being powerful. Individuals within families are usually in conflict and the more influence they have, the higher chance they have of getting what they want.

You can figure out your own family dynamics by mapping out your family roles and subsystems.

I highly recommend reading these sources to find more information about your family and how to make it stronger:

• https://byui.brightspace.com/content/enforced/287582-Campus.2017.Fall.FAML160/assets/The%20Family%20as%20a%20Psychosocial%20System.PDF?attachment=1&_&d2lSessionVal=27srJv7bpuK8Ve3zu2G7xSIoq
• http://hsemployees.utah.gov/dcfs/docs/22a--Family%20Maps.PDF