Families as Systems in Practice

• In Event: Understanding Family Functioning From a Family Systems Perspective: Implications for Research and Practice

Abstract

Family systems theory places caregiver(s) and child(ren) within the larger family system in which individual family members are necessarily interdependent (Cox & Paley, 1997; Kreppner & Lerner, 1989; Minuchin, 1988). All subsystems within the family are systems of their own, but are also interdependent, exerting continuous and reciprocal influences on one another. From a family systems perspective any individual family member can never be fully understood independent of the context of that system and the interactions between the subsystems.

A family systems perspective may be a promising tool to tailor support to the needs of individual families. For example, family systems theory could be used to identify, actively approach, and inform all family members in support, treatment, or interventions. In addition, family systems theory can be applied as a screening instrument to decide in which family subsystem(s) intervention can take place, with what intensity, and in which order. However, recruitment and engagement of multiple family members in practice and research may be easier said than done.

The present qualitative study examines the perspective of youth professionals on the desirability, feasibility, and application of the “family as a system” approach in their current practice. Participants were 21 youth professionals (e.g., pedagogue, teacher in special education, foster care counselor, social worker) working with children in the range of prenatal phase to emerging adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the period of April-May 2022. Currently, the coding and content analysis of the interview transcripts are conducted with qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti.

We apply grounded theory principles (Corbin & Strauss, 1990), due to the combined theory-driven and data-driven approach. Firstly, fragments related to the research questions are selected from the interview transcripts. This selection is ordered by concept and fragments belonging to the same category are grouped (Boeije, 2014). Within the subject, each fragment is given a code and a summary name. If these theoretical codes do not sufficiently cover the load of the transcripts, additional codes are formulated. These codes are integrated into central categories (axial coding). When the central categories are clear, connections are made (selective coding).

Preliminary results reveal that working with families from a family systems approach (a) provides insights of family functioning as a whole and therefore benefits support or treatment, (b) provides parents/caregivers concrete leverages to parent their child(ren), and (c) empowers parents/caregivers, providing them a form of self-direction. The challenges experienced by the youth professionals in working with families from a family systems approach include (a) negative or uninvolved attitudes of parents/caregivers, (b) available time of the professionals (e.g., engaging all caregivers takes time and effort), and (c) quality of collaboration with other youth professionals and organizations (e.g., caused by different perspectives on the form and content of support or treatment within families).

During the presentation, we will discuss the full range of results, including implications for research and practice.

Authors

• Nicole Lucassen, Erasmus University Rotterdam
  Presenting Author

• Katrien Helmerhorst, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (UG/RUG)

• Joyce Weeland, Erasmus University Rotterdam