Family systems theory is derived from general systems theory, a science of “wholeness”

that is characterized by interaction among the components of the system and between

the system and the environment. General system theory expanded scientific thought

from a simplistic view of direct cause and effect (A cause B) to a more complex and

interrelated theory (A influences B, but B also effect A). In family systems theory the

family is a viewed as a systems that continually interacts with its members and the

environment. The emphasis is on interaction between the members; a change in one

family member create change in other members, which in turn result in a new change in

the original member. Consequently, a problem or dysfunction does not lie in any one

member but rather in the type of interctions use by the family. Because the interaction,

not the individual members, are viewed as the source of the problem, the family

becomes the patient and the focus of care. Examples of the aplication of family system

theory to abuse. According to family systems theory, the problem does not rest solely

with the parent or child but with the type of interactions between the parent and child

and the factors that affect their relationship.

The family is viewed as a whole that iis different from the sum of the individual

members. For example, in a household of parents and one child, there are not only

three individuals, but four interactive units. These units include three dayds (the marital

relationship, the mother-child relationship, and the father-child relationship) and a

triangle (the mother-father-child relationship). The family system function within a

larger system composed of the extended family, the subculture, the culture, and society.

This ecologic model of family

Defiinition of family

The term family has been defined in many different ways according to the individual’s

own frame of reference, value judgment, or discipline. There is no universal definition of

family is what an individual consider it to be. Biology describes the family as fulfilling the

biologic function of perpetuation of the species. Psychology emphasizes the

interpersonal aspects of the family and its responsibility for personality development.

Economic views the family as a productive unit providing for material needs. Sociology

depicts the family as a social unit interacting with the larger society, creating the context

within which cultural values and identity are formed. Others define family in terms of

the relationship of the person who make up the family unit. The most common type of

relationship (marital relationships), and family of origin (family unit a person born into).

Earlier definition of family emphasized that family members were related by legal ties or

genetic relationship and lived in the same household with specific roles. Later definition

have been broadened to reflect both structural and functional changes. A family can be

defined as a institution where individuals, related through biology or enduring

commitmentts, and representing similiar or different generations and genders,

participate in roles involving mutual socialization, nurturance, and emotional

commitment.

Considerable controversy has been generated about the newer concepts family, such as

communal families, single parents families, and homosexual families. To accommodate

these and other varieties of family style, the descriptive term household is frequently

used .
Nursing of infants and children intimately involved with care of the child and the family.

Family structure and dynamics can have an enduring influence on a child, affecting the

childs healt and well-being. Consequently, nurses must be aware of the functions of

family, various types of family structure, and theories that provide a foundation for

understanding the changes within a family and for directing family oriented intervention