Gladding Ch. 3 Flashcards
Health
an interactive process associated w/ positive relatinoships and outcomes
Qualities of Healthy Families
commitment, appreciation, time together, effective communication, religious/spiritual orientation
nonevents
passive in the sense that they are events that do not happen as envisioned or expected (e.g. failure to have children)
ambiguous losses
- when a person is physically absent yet psychologically present
- when a person is physically present but psychologically absent
symmetrical relatinoship
interatction based on similarity of behavior
complementary relationship
rigid roles. differences maximized
parallel relationships
symmetrical and complementary exchanges occur as appropriate
centripetal
tendency of a family to move towards closeness
centrifugal relationship
tendency of a family to distance
family cohesion
emotional bonding. 4 levels
- disengaged
- separated
- connected
- enmeshed
family adaptability
ability to be flexible and change. 4 levels
- rigid
- structured
- flexible
- chaotic
ABCX model (Hill)
illustrates whether an event is a crisis.
A: stressor
B: resources at family’s disposal
C: meaning or interpretation of experience
X: combined effect of these factors
Double ABCX model
provides a theoretical framework for understanding the ocmplex interaction between situations in a fammily that involve more than one event. focuses on family resolutions over time rather than those geared to a single happening
first-order change
superficial
Problems defining “health”
○ “Health” is a socially constructed idea, which is subject to change
○ The health of a system can be highly variable over lifespan
○ The issue of “outsiders” presuming to know what “healthy” is for “insiders”
Reorganize & Restructure
Gladding contends that healthy families are able to reorganize and restructure
relationships to accommodate changing life circumstances. They are typically able to
do this through:
○ Openness
○ Appropriate boundaries
○ Self-regulation
○ Positive and productive interactions
■ Inside (the family) and Outside (institutions)
Cultural Constants
There are some “cultural constants” that have been identified as characteristics of healthy families ○ Adaptive ○ Appropriate boundaries ○ Commitment to continue to develop relationships with open communication ○ Promote responsibility ○ Express confidence in self & others ○ Optimistic about the future
Health as defined by Gladding
an interactive process associated with positive
relationships and situational outcomes
rigid structures
Rigid structures are best for handling crises
loose structures
Loose structures are best for recreation
complementary families
Complimentary families have rigid role definitions and maximum differences between
members of the marital dyad
○ Each “role” has its specific responsibilities
○ Functions as long as both parties agree to their roles and responsibilities AND
this status quo never changes
○ All necessary tasks need to be accomplished
symmetrical families
Symmetrical families have partners that are versatile and are willing to become
competent in accomplishing basic daily tasks to run the household
○ Can run into problems when partners become competitive when working at the
same tasks
○ If there is too big of a skill deficit between the partners, this can create additional
stress
○ Often seen as “post gender” relationships
levels of change within systems
★ First order changes: superficial adjustments that are usually temporary in nature
★ Second order change (or “metachanges”): a new set of behaviors is introduced into
the existing schema, often in an abrupt way
★ Adaptive families can accurately identify which of these changes is needed according to
the situation that has presented itself in front of them
approaches for working towards health w/ families
★ Appreciate complexity
★ Try your best not to pathologize the family
★ Remember that “health” is developmental, cultural, and situational
★ All families have strengths and deficits - lean on existing strengths when you can!
★ Psychoeducational approaches are better than judgmental approaches
