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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 10 page paper explores five family theories: Development theory, Systems theory, Social Conflic theory, Life Course theory, and Phenomenological theory. The history of these theories as well as their purposes and applications are presented in terms of how they apply to healthy families. Bibliography lists 20 sources.
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10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_GSFamthe.rtf
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families, thereby increasing our understanding of their utility and function. Understanding some of these theories, especially in light of the others, increases our understanding of the dynamics in family
relationships, and highlights the foundation upon which they exist. Perhaps one of the greatest proponents of family therapy was R.D.
Laing, who conducted many studies and analysis into family situations (Burston, 2003). Laings work was very influential and prompted many others to follow in his footsteps. In the
mental health field, family therapy is relatively new, making the work of Laing all the more influential and prominent (Burston, 2003).
Development Theory is based upon the predictable stages of development that a family passes through during its life course (Nichols et al, 2000). Variables exist within this framework
however in order to account for the unique set of circumstances which exist within each family (Nichols et al, 2000). Development theory originated in the 1940s, and has since
become a widely accepted and applied framework of analysis (Nichols et al, 2000). Therefore, Family Development Theory offers a means
of examining the changes that occur in families over time, rather than just specific points of time (Whitchurch, 2003). We see clearly then how Life Course Theory emerged from
Development Theory, and how it serves as an aspect of the larger construct (Whitchurch, 2003). Duval and Hill are perhaps
the best-known researchers in the area of Development Theory, and outlined 8-stages of development (Family Development Theory: Stage Theories, 2003). The stages are as follows: 1
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