Family Structures & Legacies

Study Notes

Family is defined as a group of individuals living under one roof, usually under one head. Alternatively, it can be defined as two or more people sharing resources, responsibility for decisions, values, goals, and commitment to each other over time.

Family structure affects adolescent development in various ways.
Extended families may promote a sense of stability and connection to the family's history but can also cause confusion.

Authoritative: This is considered the ideal style; it combines warmth and flexibility while clearly establishing parental authority. Parents explain rules, consider their child's opinions, but remain the ultimate decision-makers.
Permissive: Permissive parents prioritize being their child's friend. They are warm and nurturing, communicate openly, and actively support their children emotionally. Children have substantial freedom in decision-making (meals, bedtime, homework).
Authoritarian: This style uses strict rules, high standards, and punishment to regulate a child's behavior. Authoritarian parents have high expectations and lack flexibility. Punishments may be imposed without clear explanation.
Neglectful: Parents fulfilling basic needs but providing little attention or nurturing. These parents have few expectations for their child, and it may occur from necessity (e.g., single-parent households, work demands, mental health challenges).

Clear Communication: Parents set clear boundaries.
Child Involvement: Parents offer choices and involve their child in age-appropriate discussions.
Emotional Support: Parents listen to and address their child's emotional health concerns.
Love and Affection: Consistent expression of love and affection.

Family heredity examines the characteristics and traits passed on through family and immediate relatives.

A visual representation of a family history for multiple generations.
Genograms use symbols for connections and major events to illustrate patterns in family structure, characteristics, and dynamics.
Use symbols for relationships, major events (marriage, births, deaths), diseases and traits.
Include social, economic backgrounds, family values and cultural background