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Saturday, February 24, 2018

Social Issues Today: The Social Trickle-Down Effect of Healthy Families

Excerpt:

"But as Bowen discovered, the family remains with us wherever we go. As we shall see, unresolved emotional reactivity to our parents is the most important unfinished business of our lives" (Nichols & Schwartz, 2005).

I'm really enjoying learning about Family Systems. It makes so much sense as to how some individuals develop personality disorders or some type of behavior/cognitive dysfunction. Reminds me of the scripture that states, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he shall not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6, KJV).

Some people never reach their full potential in life because their dysfunctional family is still with them. They hear the voices of parents criticizing them for nearly everything they do or say. If their employer corrects them and they shrivel in a panic because it reminds them of their overbearing father or an abusive uncle/aunt. Conversely, some succeed because their emotional intelligence is a direct result of a healthy family environment as a child.

No need to be discouraged because Jesus can and will heal. He heals through scripture, wisdom, counselors, and time.

How does a Family Systems Counseling Theory relate to social issues? Some of the following social issues began or were cognitively formulated in the family of origin in some cases.
  • Alcoholism 
  • Abortion 
  • Suicide 
  • Drug Abuse 
  • Poverty 
  • Eating Disorder 
  • Homelessness 
  • Racial profiling 
  • Welfare abuse 
  • HIV/AIDS 
  • Obesity 
Alcoholism and/or drug abuse may be the best example. Some families have a history of Alcohol abuse which passes down from generation to generation, also known as Intergenerational Transmission. Alcohol and Drug abuse within a family has a direct effect on family conflict, sexual satisfaction, work ethic, job security, financial status, nutrition, the mental health status of the one abusing substances as well as the family, and finally, but not exclusively, social relationships.

Understanding family dynamics, history, and conflict resolution skills can benefit society by lowering the cost of health-related issues, lowering crime, reduce DUI related deaths and injuries, reduce caseloads of social workers and the courts, increase job productivity and satisfaction, and the list goes on Ad-Infinitum. These theories are important and practical, not just for families, but because of the trickle effect a healthy family has on social norms and social stability.

Reference:

Nichols, M. P., & Schwartz, R. C. (2005). Family therapy: Concepts and methods. Princeton, NJ: Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.

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Disclaimer:

I’m not a professional counselor yet and so none of what I say or write should be construed as counseling or therapy. I’m posting as a pastor with some experience in pastoral counseling and as a Graduate Student in a professional counseling program who also has a B.S. in Psychology.


If you are having issues with your body image, or other mental health issues, I suggest seeking the services of a professional therapist.*

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