Family systems theory

Question 1

What are the three main features of the psychosomatic family model?

Answer 1

Enmeshment
Autonomy
Control

Question 2

What is enmeshment?

Answer 2

• an extreme form of proximity and intensity
• overinvolvement and lack of boundaries
• Barber and Buehler (1996) stated that enmeshment stifles the development of the child’s skills to deal with common stressors that increase the likelihood of developing a disorder

Question 3

What is autonomy?

Answer 3

• members of the family are not able to become independent and develop autonomy
• inhibits the development of age-appropriate autonomy by insisting on retaining the accustomed patterns of transaction and denying change

Question 4

What is meant by control in terms of the psychosomatic family model?

Answer 4

• overprotective control over members of the family
• high degree of concern for eachother’s welfare
• inhibits development of confidence in own ability
• child rebels by refusing to eat (they are then in control)

Question 5

What are the two additional features of the psychosomatic family model?

Answer 5

Rigidity

Lack of conflict resolution

Question 6

What is meant by rigidity in terms of the psychosomatic family model?

Answer 6

• lack of flexibility and adaptation to new situations

- rigidity is increased in the face of stress and any exploration of alternatives in resisted

Question 7

How does a lack of conflict resolution apply to the psychosomatic family model?

Answer 7

• low tolerance for conflict
• difficulty acknowledging and resolving problems
• Minuchin -> AN families are in a state of constant unresolved conflict
• Latzer and Gaber (1998) families of AN patients present a strong facade of togetherness and a tendency to avoid conflict

Question 8

What does family systems theory suggest?

Answer 8

The features of the psychosomatic family attribute the development of disorders

Question 9

How can family systems theory be criticised in terms of gender bias?

Answer 9

focuses on mother daughter relationship
enmeshment seen as maternal in origin
therapies to reduce enmeshment focus on reforming dysfunctional mothers fathers tendency to be overly controlling by demanding action and change from individuals is often overlooked

Question 10

is there research to support the concept of enmeshment?

Answer 10

Manzi et al (2006)
found distinction between factors that promote emotional development and those that stifle it.
Family cohesion is indicative of supportive family interactions
and measurement is rooted in manipulation and control
The findings applied cross culturally

Question 11

Is The research to support the link between psychosomatic families and anorexia nervosa?

Answer 11

Kog and Vandereycken (1989)
failed to consistently find characteristics of the psychosomatic family in families with an anorexia nervosa patient
shows that families with an anorexia nervosa patient or diverse group in terms of family relationships emotional climate and patterns of family interaction