A life‐cycle framework in the treatment of underorganized* families

Abstract

The view presented in this paper is that frameworks are needed to help understand the nature of the organization and problems of severely underorganized families. Some basic propositions are suggested as a ‘rule of thumb’ diagnostic tool. Requirements for healthy development are outlined, against which the family context of many underorganized families is illustrated. It is proposed that the life‐cycle framework of such families is essentially ‘two generational’. This has implications for those offering help in these situations, and suggestions are made about appropriate treatment approaches.

Precipitating crises in families: patterns which connect

“…Early on differences are emphasized, then as greater acceptance is acquired, similarities between frameworks can be addressed. Accepted version received February 1988. One of the important continuities in family therapy addressed in different ways by theorists is the family life cycle (Solomon, 1973;Carter and McGoldrick, 1980;Jenkins, 1983). Similarly, it is suggested in this paper that different family therapy approaches have a shared assumption in respect of change.…”

“…Adapted from Jenkins (1983) alternative behaviours arise which typically are labelled as dysfunctional or symptomatic. It may be that the stress generated from the felt needs of members of the system not being adequately met is enough to 'kick the system' back on track, and the original cycle is rejoined around the phase of integrating new behaviours and beliefs.…”

Annotation: Family Therapy– Developments in Thinking and Practice

“…It is from the emerging literature on consultation using a systemic focus that there seems to be an opportunity to apply aspects of skills developed in family therapy practice for helping clarify and resolve organizational impasses. Equally, the practitioner with a systems focus is able to apply a systemic analysis of the ways that agencies also become caught up in repeating patterns of interaction which are syntonic with, and dysfunctional for, the development of the family's own coping mechanisms (Jenkins, 1983;Reder, 1983).…”

Multi‐agency family systems

“…The families have also been referred to as 'underorganized (Aponte, 1976;Jenkins, 1983) and 'multi-problem' (Tonge et al, 1975). However, Hoffman (1981) warns against making categories to describe optimal organization: 'The attributes of a family will differ according to which point in time (on the family life cycle, for instance) or space (the particular arena or situation) one views it' (p.…”