How do contemporary researchers view the family? Describe direct and indirect influences on the family, and provide examples of each

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Contemporary researchers view the family as a network of interdependent relationships. Bidirectional influences exist in which the behaviors of each family member affect those of others. These influences operate both directly and indirectly. Kind, patient communication evokes cooperative, harmonious responses, whereas harshness and impatience engender angry, resistive behavior. Each of these reactions, in turn, forges a new link in the interactive chain. In the first instance, a positive message tends to follow; in the second, a negative or avoidant one is likely. When parents are firm but warm, children tend to comply with their requests. And when children cooperate, their parents are likely to be warm and gentle in the future. In contrast, children whose parents discipline harshly and impatiently are likely to refuse and rebel. And because children's misbehavior is stressful, parents may increase their use of punishment, leading to more unruliness by the child. Furthermore, third parties indirectly influence the family. Interaction between any two family members is affected by others present in the setting. Third parties can serve as supports for or barriers to development. For example, when a marital relationship is warm and considerate, mothers and fathers are more likely to engage in effective coparenting. Effective coparenting, in turn, fosters a positive marital relationship. In contrast, parents whose marriage is tense and hostile often interfere with one another's child-rearing efforts, are less responsive to children's needs, and are more likely to criticize, express anger, and punish. Children chronically exposed to angry, unresolved parental conflict have serious emotional problems resulting from disputed emotional security. These problems can further disrupt parents' marital relationship.