Changes in Family Status Required To Proceed Developmentally

Question 1

Differentiation of self in relation to family of origin
Development of intimate peer relationship
Establishment of self in relation to work and finance

Answer 1

Unattached young adult

Question 2

Formation of the marital system
Realignment of relationships with extended families and friends to include the spouse

Answer 2

Newly married couple

Question 3

Adjustment of marital system to make space for children
Joining in child rearing and financial and household tasks
Realignment of relationships with the extended family to include parenting and grandparenting roles

Answer 3

Family with young children

Question 4

Shifting of parent child relationships to permit adolescents to move in and out of the system
Focus on midlife marital and career issues

Answer 4

Family with adolescents

Question 5

Caring for the older generation
Renegotiation of the marital system as a dyad
Development of adult-adult relationships between grown up offspring and their parents
Realignment of relationships to include in-laws and grandchildren
Dealing with the disabilities and death of grandparents

Answer 5

Launching family

Question 6

Maintaining own and/or couple functioning and interests in the face of physiological decline
Exploration of new familial and social role options
Support for a more central role of middle generation
Making room in the system for the wisdom and experience of elderly and supporting the older generation
Dealing with the loss of spouse, siblings, and peers
Preparation for one’s own death
Life review and integration

Answer 6

The family in later life