Dysfunctional Family Characteristics

Systems theory therapy is very useful is diagnosing and helping dysfunctional families. A family passes through predictable stages and develops methods of taking care of its members and coping with environmental demands. Members of dysfunctional families can become locked in self-perpetuating pathological patterns during a transition. Common characteristics of such families include the following: — One or more symptomatic members. — Blurred generational boundaries. — Confused communication patterns. — Overprotection. — Enmeshment, lack of autonomy or privacy. — Denial of conflict except as it involves symptomatic member. — Inability to resolve conflict. — Submerged tension. — Scapegoating. — Low toleration for stress and physical illness. — Fragmented, disjointed, isolated individuals. — Noncohesive, noncommittal, pseudo-closeness. — Schisms, with two or more alliances in conflict. — Skewed relationships, isolation of one family member. — Extreme positions by all members in an effort to differentiate. — Lack of respect for individual differences. Dysfunctional family therapy could be the answer for you.