Family Structure Theory, Term Paper Example

How can families created out of second marriages learn to function as one?

The focus of this discussion is on how families can learn to function separate from the concept of them functioning without health promotion teaching/learning interventions. Often families emerging from second marriages are referred to as complex unions. The complexity is compounded by children who have to be aligned to additional parents; parents having the responsibility of “step children.’ Hence, the ‘step mother;’ ‘step father;’ ‘step daughter and ‘step son’ family syndrome and epidemiology. The social issue is how can they learn to function as one? Sure enough there is no biological answer or explanation to the phenomenon, except for acknowledging it as a serious social issue among families today (Williams, Sawyer & Wahlstrom, 2005).

Health promotion experts have highlighted that based on this structural adaptation of the extended family, which originally included grandparents; siblings, aunts, uncles and nieces education is essential to achieving cohesion. Often there is immense conflict within these unions (Edelman, & Mandle, 2010).

Family life education programs focus on strengthening families by applying social science interventions. However, the health promotion approach is combing a number of specialists in presenting options for these families functioning in such unusual structures. Often the workshop/ health promotion team consists of licensed family life education specialists; a health education officer; social worker and religious activists (Edelman, & Mandle, 2010).

Before commencing any intervention a family health assessment must be conducted. This ought to be conducted by the community healthcare provider upon the recommendation of the family’s primary care physician. Based on the diagnosis from this nursing assessment relevant interventions will be articulated in teaching second marriage families how to function as one (Edelman, & Mandle, 2010).

References

Edelman, L., & Mandle, L. (2010). Health Promotion throughout the Life Span. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Williams, B. Sawyer, S, & Wahlstrom, C. (2005). Marriages, Families & Intimate Relationships. Boston, MA: Pearson.