Children and Families

Research Paper # 61237

Child, Youth Issues
Psychology > Child and Adolescent
Psychology > Therapies

A systemic perspective on the child as an active member in the family.

4,351 words () | 18 sources | MLA | 2005 Australia

Paper Summary:

The notion of family has undergone radical change within the last century and with that idea of what constitutes a "normal" childhood. This paper examines how it has become increasingly difficult to identify the typical childhood experience within the family life cycle. It looks at how functional and dysfunctional patterns of child development need to be examined within their systemic context and the family's cultural background to deem what constitutes a "normal" developmental trajectory across time.

Outline
The Child Within a Developmental Context
Systemic View of Child Development
Assessment
Interventions
Efficacy and Effectiveness of Systemic Therapy

From the Paper:

"The type and level of dysfunction a child experiences and impacts a family system is dependent upon what developmental stage they are currently in. For example, the impact that an alcoholic mother has on her infant may create a different set of developmental challenges (e.g. ) as compared to a pubescent child (e.g.). In order to understand the impact of the family on the child, the child first needs to be understood in terms of what personal dilemmas the child need to overcome in each developmental phase in order to achieve normative developmental milestones."