A written paper and a power point on a family analysis
Paper details:
Final Assignment: Family Case Analysis Paper
(worth 60 points)
PART A:
This is part one of a two-part final assignment, the written paper. You will have two weeks (Sessions 10 – 12)
to complete this assignment.
To complete PART A you will create a FAMILY CASE OR select a family themed MOVIE and integrate knowledge of Family Systems that we have studied this semester. In the paper you will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts/key terms (refer to the list below), theories/models, as well as the therapeutic strategies/approaches, skills and resources, used to help families effectively function.
To prepare review chapters 1-5 in the text, previous assignments and related materials. You can also use reliable internet resources. You will submit a 5-6 page double spaced, 1-inch margin paper that addresses each of the topics and related questions below by Session Tuesday, November 23 @ 1:30pm. Be sure to pay attention to spelling, grammar and cite all research sources.
1. Family Introductions and Overview
Introduce the system and subsystem of the family and give a brief background on each
member.
Give an overview and provide context onthe family dynamics. If you select a movie, DO NOT
RETELL THE MOVIE PLOT.
2. Family Conflict
Describe the presenting problem(s), or stressor(s) the family is facing.
What is the impact of the conflict on the family systems (marital, sibling, etc.) and their interactions?
3. Family Rules
What rules govern this family? How are the rules related to the conflict?
4. Family Coping Strategies and Strengths
How do individual members cope or adapt?
How does the family as a whole cope or adapt?
What are the strengths and Protective Factors in the family system and surrounding this family system?
5. Theories/Models
Select the theory/model that best describes the dynamics of the family’s functioning.
Structural, Systems, Contextual, or Intergenerational
How does the theory/model apply to the conflict operating within the family?
6. Therapeutic Interventions – Think of yourself in the role of the helper for this family to answer these questions:
What have you determined to be the most crucial issue(s) or need(s) to be addressed?
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What intervention(s) would help the family function effectively? i.e., individual counseling?
If so, what type? and for who?, Family counseling? skills training?, etc.
What would be the goals or anticipated outcomes of the intervention?
(If you choose a movie)
If the family you were analyzing resolves or manages to reach a positive outcome in changing the family dynamic, what changes were made in structure?, strategies?, context?, family relating?, intergenerational patterns?, adaptability?, etc. that fostered and created
the changes in the family system?
7. Resources – List all resources used to support your responses. Click on these links to learn how to
cite your sources.
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LIST OF CONCEPTS/KEY TERMS
Boundaries Disengagement
Covert (unspoken) Rules Enmeshment
Strategies Parentification
Family Themes Stressor Events
Adaptability (Coping Resources) Closed System (Low Tolerance)
Family Structure/ Subsystem Open System (High Tolerance)
Coalitions/and Cross-generational coalitions
Alliances
Context (circumstances or facts surrounding a situation, individual, or family that impacted family
structure, strategies, and RULES)
Differentiation (ability of family members to express individuality and act autonomously)
Self-differentiation (resolved emotional attachments to one’s family of origin and shows psychological
maturity)
Fusion (submerged sense of self in relationships with others…loss of self)
Triangulation (strategy): Conflict between two persons displaced onto a third party)
Emotional-Cutoffs (strategy)
Creation of Conflict (strategy)
Emotional-Distance Regulator/ (Scapegoating) (Strategy)
Family Projection Process: (parent displacing their own unresolved attachments or conflicts onto one or
more of their children, i.e., over-involvement, own anxiety, rejection, etc.)
Family Legacy: Expectations, responsibilities, loyalties, and indebtedness to the family and its members based on patterns and dynamics and positions in the family that have operated in their extended family system over time
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Final Assignment: Family Case Analysis (The PowerPoint)
(worth 40 points)
PART B:
For the second part of the Family Case Analysis you will introduce your “family” to the class by creating and
submitting a 5-6 slide PowerPoint that highlights key points (not the entire paper) from PART A. You will have
3 weeks to complete this assignment (Sessions 10 – 13)
For full credit:
1. you must upload your powerpoint in two places: 1) in Canvas as an assignment and 2) in Discussion Forum#6 for classmates to view.
2. In addition to uploading your PowerPoint in the discussion forum you must also post 2 questions related to your PowerPoint that you would like other class members to respond to, as well as respond to a question poscgoed by at least 2 class members.
