Family Function Essay

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Family Function Paper #3 University of Wyoming Family Function Paper #3 My interview with the H family allowed me a glimpse into their lives in order to better understand family function. Talking candidly with me sharing their social structure and allowing me to observe and understand their patterns of communication. Holding the interview during the week of spring break I was able to speak with the children and gained a better insight through observing their place during the interaction. The model for the interview was taken from Friedman’s Family Assessment Model (long form) (Freidman, Bowden, & Jones, 2003, pp.583-591). Family Function Affective Function Mutual nurturance, closeness, and identification. While observing the H family, their interactions appeared to be very formal. Though they seemed to be genuinely concerned, they showed very little affection. Throughout the interview there were very few touching interactions observed. According to Friedman’s theory, the mutual nurturance is based on the relationship between the husband and wife (2003, p. 381). Ms. H being a single mother lacks the essential component of a husband to complete the model. This deficit may be contributory to the family lacking in her relationship. The children were respectful to one another and appeared to care but they lacked the nurturing quality. Their interactions were brief and to the point without any type of friendly “play” observed between the two. When ask about the relationship K confirmed they were not that close but she loves W and respects him as her brother. Separateness and connectedness. The H family exhibits qualities of being both separated and connected. K is involved with school sports as well as she seems to have good support from friends. While she is home she discusses her social life and invites friends over. W is more withdrawn from
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