Family Relation theories; Impact of Chronic Disease on Family Members

Introduction

Family plays a significant role in the child's basic development and learning process. It acts as a most important resource for child. Same is the case with children suffering from Down syndrome. They require more focus support and attention from parents than any other normal child. The relationship between parents and children depends upon the quality of daily interaction between family members.

There can never be one specific model defining family as every family is different from other and changes with the passage of time. The characteristics and temperament of parents have a direct influence on children behavior, attitude, as well as, development. In return, children behavior and attitude also influence parenting style. Hence, family can be explained as a dynamic system that changes with the addition of new siblings and time period. However, the parenting style can be defined as transactional, as parents and child's attitude towards each other influence the relationship between them. From this one can clearly understand that there is no such anomalous behavior, that we can relate to families having child syndrome patient (Buckley, 2002). To maintain the relationship positive in the family, it is significant that the stress and behavioral issue should not be present. It is known that parents cannot only handle this situation. Many researches showed that the support from heath care professionals, nurses, friends, neighbors, relatives and siblings plays a significant role in helping mothers to handle the exceptional child.

In this research paper, I will discuss the characteristics of the families, some psychological family relationship theories and how families adjust to the stressful life. Also, the specific impact on family members having a sibling suffering from child syndrome will be discussed.

Discussion

There is numerous research that identifies the certain characteristics of the families that have one or more victims of Down Syndrome and how they take the life stresses. The studies have shown that children with Down Syndrome have a wide range of differences as compared to other normal children in terms of physical, social and cognitive abilities.

Understanding Family System and Relation Theories

Family is a system that requires input from every individual in the family. Everyone has to react the way family needs according to their relationship. However, every relationship has some boundaries, patterns that develop behavior in a certain way (Holahan, et, al. 1986). Families provide children the ecological system in which they are nurtured. Family system is affected by the characteristics of every individual in the family and creates the Family inter-relation accordingly. It is also noticed that any child born with Down syndrome symptoms will eventually effect on family's relationship. These effects could be a lack of attention of parents, increased difficulties in social, financial and behavioral aspect of life. Another aspect that parents suffer lack of opportunities in career and understanding the purpose of life.

Theorizing Family Relations

This is the most confusing research that tries to theorize the integrated relations within the family. However, this helps to understand the diverse and complex ...