Theoretical perspective that guides the nursing process

Family Structural Theory

Family structural theory, created in the 1960s by Salvador Minuchin and colleagues, is the theoretical approach that leads the nursing process with a family evaluation that I find to be the most useful and effective. This is due to the fact that it offers a systematic way to understanding relationship quandaries and human pain at the family level. Furthermore, the idea works therapeutically with such family interactions and various natural systems to improve family cohesion and prevent distress (Vetere, 2001).

Support and Application

Furthermore, the family structure theory is supported by a defined approach to family functioning, and it has been regularly applied by family structural therapists in a variety of programs, including those for children and families (Vetere, 2001). Besides, a growing body of experimental evidence attests to the effectiveness of family structural theory, which continues to evolve in response to various challenges arising from within the family unit. The family structural theory also embraces an integrative practice and a multisystem approach, in which practitioners remain mindful of the need for consistent or regular feedback from the members of the family (Vetere, 2001).

Integration and Context

Another reason why the family structural theory is more appealing to me than others is that its development got based on therapeutic work with young people and families and, therefore, it approaches individual family members in their relational and social contexts. Besides, the family structural theory is based on the family systems theory, and it, therefore, integrates the general system theory’s strengths and weaknesses into the realm of social behavior (Vetere, 2001).

Effectiveness and Therapeutic Approach

Therefore, for me, I find the family structural theory to be the most effective among other related approaches of assessing the family or addressing problems relating to family functioning. Structural family therapists work by temporarily joining the family system as a means of understanding the invisible regulations and rules that govern the family, thereby mapping the family members’ relationships and eventually finding ways of stabilizing the family into healthier communication or interaction patterns.

References

Vetere, A. (2001). Therapy Matters: Structural Family Therapy. Child Psychology & Psychiatry Review, 6(3), 133-138. Retrieved from http://www.iupui.edu/~mswd/D642/multimedia/word_doc/StructuralFamilyTherapy_Vetare.pdf