Explain "family functions" as an element of family systems theory. How can family functioning shape a family's experience with an exceptional child?

What will be an ideal response?


Family functions are those activities that are necessary to fulfill the individual and collective needs of the family. These include (1) affection, (2) self-esteem, (3) spirituality or religion, (4) economics, (5) daily care, (6) socialization, (7) recreation, and (8) education. Family function can shape a families experiences due to different priorities in the family. For example, a family worried about economics (or money issues) will put much less emphasis on the recreational needs of the family. Or, a family that is highly religious may privilege that aspect over affection or self-esteem issues if they contradict gender roles as established by particular religions.
Learning Objective: 3-2: Explain family systems theory and provide examples of each element of the model.

Education

You might also like to view...

Who would you expect to stand closest together during a conversation?

a. two men b. a supervisor and a subordinate c. two colleagues d. two people who have just met

Education

Despite controversy, co-sleeping has been associated with ______.

a. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) b. increased influenza c. sleep-related causes of infant death d. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related causes of infant death

Education

Which of the following must include peer review?

a. Dissertation b. Conference paper c. Formal journal article d. Technical/policy report

Education

One of your classmates tells you they aren’t sure what career they want to pursue. You advise them to:

a. Read through the rest of their FOCUS textbook for the answers b. Study what you are studying c. Talk to their parents d. Go to the college’s career center and talk with their instructors and advisors

Education