Optimal Family Functioning

Question 1

What is an optimal family?

Answer 1

Optimal families serve as a model for an effective functioning family. The family members have what can be described as a systems orientation.

This means that stressful events and problems of an individual member affect the whole family as a functional unit, with ripple effects for all members and their relationships.

Family processes i.e. in relating and handling
problems, in turn, contribute significantly to positive adaptation or to individual and relational dysfunction.

Question 2

What is considered a family that is functioning optimally?

Answer 2

A family is considered to be functioning optimally when individual choices and perceptions are respected, there is space and opportunity for negotiation and family members come together to solve problem as a group/ family unit. Each member of this type of family has an independent identify with highly evolved role and clear boundaries.

Question 3

What are some Optimal Family Roles?

Answer 3

Roles are repetitive patterns, which delineate the structure and maintain the family interactional process.
1. Clear differentiation exists between the roles of parent, child, and spouse.
2. Roles may be shared, reversed, or changed, depending on the situation.
3. New roles can be tried out or old ones modified.
4. The roles taken by family members complement one
another.
5. These roles are also similar across situations and members.
6. Parents share child care.

Question 4

What are some Optimal Family Emotional Expression?

Answer 4

Emotional expression is the degree of emotional expressiveness, sensitivity,, and responsiveness members share with each other.
1. The overall emotional tone of the family is positive.
2. Family members are sensitive to one another’s feelings.
3. The rules for expressing emotion are clear, and the
expression of emotion tends to be spontaneous.
4. Expression of negative emotion is allowed as well as
sensitivity toward others.
5. The amount of expressiveness is high, with laughter, humor, and warmth evident.
6. Open and unresolved hostility is absent.
7. The family tolerates and encourages the expression of a wide range of feelings.

Question 5

What are some Optimal Family Individuation?

Answer 5

The amount of autonomy or individuation granted to the
individual by the family.
1. Each individual has separate recreational and social activities.
2. Family members discuss individual problems and understand and support one another.
3. Different value systems are tolerated in the family; however, central values concerning sexuality, money, religion, work ethics, and family loyalty are jointly held.
4. Cooperation rather than competition is a family value.
5. Interpersonal relationships with non-family members are approved of as long as family routine is not disturbed.
6. The family members take responsibility for their individual behavior and feelings.
7. Differences of opinion are tolerated, and mutual agreement is frequently the product of discussions.

Question 6

What are some Optimal Family Power Distribution?

Answer 6

Refers to the degree of influence or control family members have over one another.

1. Everyone has input into family decisions.
2. Family members seek and take leadership in different aspects of family life, and other family members willingly follow such leadership.
3. Power in the family is centralised within the parental dyad.
4. Family roles are enforced through persuasion rather than through intimidation or force. Violence is not tolerated.
5. There is little hostile, angry, acting-out behavior. Conflicts tend to be open, and they are resolved quickly.
6. Except for the parental dyad, coalitions among family members are open and short-term.

Question 7

What are some Optimal Family Communication?

Answer 7

This is about delivery and reception of verbal and nonverbal information between family members.

1. A high volume of information seeking and sharing occurs between family members.
2. Nonverbal and verbal messages are congruent, and the intent of each message is clear and open.
3. Silence is occasional, and the family deals with a wide range of topics.
4. Conflicts are resolved through discussion.
5. Most family communication is positive in tone.
6. All family members are capable of using problem-solving statements that encourage the efficient resolution of conflicts.

Question 8

What are Optimal Family Subsystems?

Answer 8

Refers to parents, spouse, siblings groups and the alliances between and among the members of the groups within the family.

1. The boundaries between the parental, spousal, and sibling sub-systems are clear.
2. Each sub-system performs its functions adequately.
3. There are strong emotional bonds between sub-systems and between the individuals within sub-systems.
4. The parental sub-system leads the family and holds most of the power.
5. Individuals within sub-systems participate in shared activities.
6. Coalitions across sub-systems occur but are short-term.