Blog Post #3: Round 1 of Research – What are family dynamics and why are they significant?

The word dynamic can also be expressed as energetic, strong, spirited, and active. In more scientific concepts, dynamic can also mean continuous, evolving, constantly growing, etc. Family dynamics should generally be positive and uplifting. Otherwise, they could have negative impacts upon the members of a family. (1) By definition, family dynamics refers to the patterns of how family members interact with one another. It further expands on their relationships with one another, the factors that shape their interactions, and their individual roles.

(2) The dynamic of a family is heavily influenced by their traditions, background, culture, family history, emotions, and the roles within a family. When we look at other people’s families and the way they act with each other, we see the contrasts to our own experiences. So what? Well, it is important to understand family dynamics because family plays a vital role as people rely on them for emotional, physical, and economic support. (2) They are the primary source of relationships, connections and friendships. Moreover, family dynamics affect the behaviours, personalities, and relationships of each family member. This is because of the environment that family surrounds us in. (3) Within a specific family environment, we can determine how a person was raised, how they handle conflict, their goals, and lifestyle.

(3) Different family dynamics can depend on how close a family is, negative or positive interactions, and any patterns in their behaviours or relationships. Being around a tight knit family can make a person feel more at ease, feel more enjoyment, and can decrease depression. (2) Today, having a multigenerational family, a single parent family, a blended family (which is where step siblings or step parents take place), a family with many siblings, a family with one child and many more, is common. There is a variety of family structures in modern times; however, this was not always the most ideal family model. Before, having a structured family with two parents and two kids was the usual. So, since it has drastically changed today, family dynamics has been further researched to understand its possible implications.

This leads me into talking about healthy family dynamics vs. toxic family dynamics. (4) Characters that embody a positive family dynamic is open, honest communication, safety, security, love, support, respect, and awareness. A normal, healthy family dynamic is functional. (2) Negative family dynamics include parentification, which is when the parents expect the child to lead in nurturing, caretaking, household chores, etc. Another is rivalry, violence, and manipulation. (4) This goes to show that family dynamics is a heavy influence on a persons, especially in the early years. It has a strong tie with how young people see themselves, the world, other people, and it impacts the way they build their own relationships and their wellbeing. For all these reasons, family dynamics is important concept as the interpersonal connections within a family have lasting impacts in one’s life.

Thank You! 🙂

Citations:

(1) Jabbari, B., & Rouster, A. S. (2022). Family Dynamics. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560487/#:~:text=Interpersonal%20interactions%20among%20family%20members

(2) Understanding Family Dynamics. (n.d.). Homewood Health. https://homewoodhealth.com/corporate/blog/understanding-family-dynamics

(3) Rollo, J. A. (2022). What are the Family Dynamics? Study.com. https://study.com/learn/lesson/family-dynamics-roles-examples.html

(4) Family Dynamics – Strong Bonds – Building Family Connections. (n.d.). Www.strongbonds.jss.org.au. http://www.strongbonds.jss.org.au/workers/families/dynamics.html#:~:text=Even%20where%20there%20is%20little

‌