The distribution of responsibilities and functions among family members, and the potential for issues to arise from role conflicts or unclear expectations.
Family structures: A family structure is the way in which a family is organised and includes nuclear families, extended families, blended families, and single-parent families.
Family roles: Family roles are the responsibilities and expectations that each family member has, based on their position within the family.
Birth order: Birth order refers to the order in which siblings are born into a family and how it affects their personality.
Parenting styles: Parenting styles refer to the ways in which parents raise their children and can include authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful parenting.
Attachment styles: Attachment styles refer to the way individuals form attachments with others in their lives, including their family members.
Communication patterns: Communication patterns refer to the ways in which families communicate, including verbal and nonverbal communication.
Family values: Family values refer to the beliefs and principles that guide a family's behaviour and decision-making.
Family rituals and traditions: Family rituals and traditions can include holidays, birthdays, and other events that are celebrated within the family.
Blended families: Blended families are families that are made up of members from previous marriages or relationships.
Sibling relationships: Sibling relationships refer to the connections and dynamics between siblings within a family.
Relational conflict: Relational conflict refers to conflicts that arise between family members and can include disagreements, arguments, and tensions.
Family systems theory: Family systems theory is a psychological perspective that views the family as a complex system and looks at the interactions and dynamics within the family unit.
Inter-generational transmission: Inter-generational transmission refers to the passing of traits, behaviours, and habits from one generation to the next within a family.
Cultural influences: Cultural influences refer to the impact of cultural background and beliefs on family relationships and dynamics.
Family dynamics: Family dynamics refers to the constantly changing and interacting relationships between family members.
Parent: A biological or adoptive caregiver responsible for raising and guiding a child to become a responsible adult.
Child: A person who is under the legal age of adulthood and is dependent on their parents or caregivers for support and guidance.
Grandparent: A parent of one's mother or father, or the parent of one's spouse's mother or father, who typically is involved in the upbringing and support of their grandchildren.
Sibling: A brother or sister of the same biological or adoptive parents, who shares familial ties and experiences with one another.
Cousin: A child of one's aunt or uncle, who shares some familial ties and may have a relationship of varying degrees with the other family members.
Niece/Nephew: A child of one's sibling or sibling-in-law, who is the recipient of affection and support from their aunt or uncle.
Aunt/Uncle: A sibling of one's parent or spouse's parent, who can provide guidance and support to their nieces or nephews.
Step-parent: A person who marries into a family and becomes a parent figure to their stepchild, sharing some responsibilities and decision-making regarding the child's upbringing.
Step-child: A child of one's spouse from a previous relationship, who is partially integrated into the new family dynamic.
Grandchild: A child of one's child, who may be showered with love and attention from their grandparents.
In-law: A relative by marriage, who may have varying degrees of familiarity and closeness with the family.
Godparent: A person who assumes responsibility for the spiritual guidance and upbringing of a child, often sharing a special bond with the child and their family.
Foster parent: A licensed caregiver who provides a temporary home and support to a child placed in their care by the state.
Foster child: A child who is temporarily placed in foster care due to neglect or abuse in their original family.
Adoptive parent: A person who legally adopts a child and becomes the child's permanent family, responsible for their upbringing and wellbeing.