Assessment Description

What is a definition of family that encompasses the different family structures prevalent today? Discuss the importance of acknowledging nontraditional family structures. Explain how family systems theory can be used to better understand the interactions of a modern family (traditional or nontraditional).

The Form and Function of Family-Sample Solution

In the contemporary world, the family comprises a unit of people bonded together by blood, adoption, or marriage. A family can live as different households governed by social roles assigned as father, mother, daughter, and son (Martini et al., 2021). Thus, a family bond exists when positive relationships and communication between the mentioned individuals exist. Families do not necessarily result from blood ties or adoption since long-lasting friendships can result in solid familial bonds.(Form and Function of Family Essay-Sample)

The traditional family structure comprises the father, mother, and children. However, the simple traditional family structure has changed over the years to complicated non-traditional ones (Bittman & Pixley, 2020). Notably, cohabiting, numerous divorces, remarriages from the death of spouses, single-parent-hood, and same-gender marriages have affected the traditional family structure. It is essential to acknowledge non-traditional families as they play a vital role in society despite facing immense challenges. In this case, single parents struggle to balance childbearing responsibilities and work. Secondly, unmarried couples may also not enjoy similar rights and protections to the legally married. Grandparents raising children lack the energy and resource to raise grandchildren. However, single parents support and love their children, while unmarried couples provide emotional support, stability, and security to one another. Grandparents raise grandchildren and contribute to the continuity of traditions. Thus, supporting non-traditional families creates a supportive and inclusive society for all.(Form and Function of Family Essay-Sample)

Family theory systems feature the translation and interdependence of family members’ emotional states on one another. As such, a family is a single unit, and an individual cannot be independently evaluated without considering other family members (Pandya, 2022). It is crucial to understand that the interactions between family members follow different patterns based on the relationships. The family health concept is instrumental in promoting health for the family as a unit and individual members. Health promotion improves the family’s health status and health-seeking behaviors, thus improving the quality of life. Family education is a suitable health promotion strategy that nurses and healthcare providers can use to promote family health (Kaakinen et al., 2018). For instance, a family struggling with obesity can be educated on lifestyle and diet modification to improve their health. Nurses can also educate married couples on various family planning methods. Nurses can also educate families at risk of developing cancer on the importance of frequent cancer screening. The nurses are mandated to assess and evaluate the healthcare status of family members to promote their health. Of importance, nurses and other health care professionals determine the best strategy to improve peoples’ health depending on the available resources and individual needs.(Form and Function of Family Essay-Sample)

References

Bittman, M., & Pixley, J. (2020). The Double Life of the Family: Myth, Hope & Experience. Routledge.

Kaakinen, J. R., Coehlo, D. P., Steele, R., & Robinson, M. (2018). Family health care nursing: Theory, practice, and research. FA Davis.

Martini, E., Palumbo, P., & Picione, R. D. L. (2020). Modern Family: Between tradition and new (post-family) narratives. International Journal of Psychoanalysis and Education, 12(2), 38-49.

Pandya, Z. (2022). What is Family Systems Theory? Retrieved from https://www.scienceabc.com/social-science/family-systems-theory.html