Part 1 Perspectives on the Evolving Family Life Cycle
Chapter 1 OVERVIEW: THE LIFE CYCLE IN ITS CHANGING CONTEXT: INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES
Monica McGoldrick, Nydia Garcia Preto & Betty Carter
The Family Life Cycle: A System Moving Through Time
The Changing Patterns of the Family Life Cycle
Dimensions of Human Development in the Context of the Family and Society
Developing a Self in Context: Belonging
Friendship Through the Life Cycle
Developing a Self in Context: Gender
The Connected Self: Beyond Autonomy and Self Determination
A Multi-Contextual Life Cycle Framework for Understanding Human Development
Anxiety, Symptom Development and Healing
The Socio-Cultural Context of Human Development
The Family Context of Human Development
The Individual Life Cycle in Context
Multi-Contextual Assessment
Case Illustration: The Aiello-Lopez Family
Conclusion
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 1.1: A Multi-Contextual Life Cycle Framework for Clinical Assessment
Figure 1.2: Multi-Contextual Framework for Clinical Assessment
Table 1.1: Phases of the Family Life Cycle
Table 1.2: The Individual Life Cycle in Context
Figure 1.3: Guidelines for a Multi-Contextual Life Cycle Assessment
Figure 1.4: The Aiello-Lopez Family
Chapter 2 WOMEN AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE
Monica McGoldrick
Women’s Changing Life Cycle Roles
Women and Education
Women and Work
Women in Families
Women in the Middle: Women and Caretaking
Women’s Exclusion From Power Under the Law and Societal Expectations
Women and Marriage
Mothers and Children
Adolescence
Stepmothers
Launching Children and Moving On
Older Families
Women and Their Friendship Networks
Women and Loss
Conclusion: Affirming Women Through the Life Cycle
Chapter 3 MEN AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Matthew R. Mock & Tim Baima
Introduction
Childhood and Adolescence
Men and Work
Men as Partners and Husbands
Fatherhood
Men in Later Life
Conclusion
Chapter 4 SOCIAL CLASS AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Jodie Kliman
Introduction
Intersections of Class and Other Factors
Understanding Social Class
Class Position and Families
Invisible class differences
Case Examples
Social Class and Families With Young Children
Social Class and Families With Older Children and Adolescents
Social Class and Families With Late Adolescents and Young Adults
Social Class and Families With Adults in Mid- and Later Life
Conclusions: Implications for Family Therapy
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 4.1: Sophie and Daniel’s Genogram
Figure 4.2: Ta’esha’s Genogram
Figure 4.3: Miguelito’s Genogram
Figure 4.4: Author’s Genogram
Chapter 5 THE LIFE CYCLE OF ECONOMICALLY FRAGILE FAMILIES
Paulette Moore Hines
Factors Affecting Multi-Stressed Families Throughout the Life Cycle
Racial-Cultural Discrimination
Female-Headed Households
High Unemployment/Underemployment
Uncertainty
Toxic Environments
Ongoing Trauma Exposure, Disruptions in Attachments, and Untimely Losses
Reliance on Institutional Supports
A Condensed Life Cycle
The Condensed Family Life Cycle: Assessment and Treatment
Stage 1: Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood
Key Assessment and Intervention Considerations
Stage 2: Coupling and Raising Children
Sustaining Intimate Relationships
Taking on Parental Roles
Realigning Relationships with Extended Family
Key Assessment and Intervention Considerations
Stage 3: Families in Later Life
Key Assessment and Intervention Considerations
Overarching Assessment and Treatment Considerations
Case Illustration
Avoiding Therapist Burn-Out
Conclusion
Chapter 6 SEXUALITY AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Tracey Laszloffy
Sexuality and Individual and Family Development
Boundaries
The Bergens: A Case of Rigid Boundaries
The Mishras: A Case of Loose Boundaries
Sexual Beliefs/Messages and Resulting Feelings/Behaviors
Intergenerational Patterns Related to Sex and Gender
Cultural Normas
Religion Sex and Sin
Social Class
Ethnic/Racial Background
Soeietal Organizing Principles
Sexuality Over the Life Cycle
Couplehood
Pregnancy
Young Children and Families
Adolescents and Families
Mid-Life
Families with Older Family Members
Case Study
Summary
Figure 6.1: Mahoney/Corelli family genogram
Table 6.1 Beliefs/Messages
Chapter 7 LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE
Deidre Ashton
Introduction
Current Status of LGBT Families in the United States
Access to Marriage
Family Growth
Diversity Among LGBT Families
Models of LGBT Identity Development
Lesbian and Gay Identity Development
Bisexual Identity Development
Transgender Identity Development
Coming Out
The Family Life Cycle
Leaving Home and Staying Connected: Launching and Single Adulthood
Coupling
Parenting: Families With Young Children
Parenting: Families With Adolescent Children
Families in Later Life
Conclusion
Chapter 8 SPIRITUALITY AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE
Sueli Petry
Spirituality and Religion in America
Family Life Cycle Theory and Application to Context of Spirituality
Children and Spirituality
Case Study–Anthony and Angelina: children’s spiritual beliefs may comfort or cause anxiety
Adolescence: Identity Development and Spirituality
Case Study–Joshua: adolescents challenge family beliefs
Early Adulthood: Time to Explore and Make Choices About Spiritual Beliefs
Case Study–Lorraine and Richard: interfaith couple’s counseling
Case Study–Ana and Luis: spirituality overcomes oppression
Middle-Age: Beliefs Reaffirmed
Case Study–Lucy: spirituality, spirits, and resiliency in the face of untimely loss
Older Adults: Aging and Facing Mortality
Case Study–Pearl: spirituality promotes dignity in the face of poverty and oppression
Case Study–Eleanor: unresolved spiritual issues and depression
Conclusion
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 8.1: Joshua’s Genogram
Figure 8.2: Lorraine and Richard’s Genogram
Figure 8.3: Ana and Luis’ Genogram
Figure 8.4: Lucy’s Genogram
Chapter 9 SIBLINGS AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Monica McGoldrick & Marlene Watson
The Importance of Sibling Relationships Through the Life Cycle
Age Spacing
Gender Differences
Culture, Class, Race and Ethnicity
Racial /Ethnic Identity of Siblings
Birth-Order Effects in Sibling Relationships
Life Cycle Issues in Families With Disabled Siblings
Sibling Positions and Parenting
Siblings and Adolescent Relationships
Sibling Relationships in Young Adulthood
Sibling Positions and Marital Relationships
In-Laws, Step- and Half Siblings
Sibling Relationships in Midlife
Sibling Relationships After the Death of Parents
Rules of Thumb for Sibling Relationships Through the Life Cycle
Conclusions
Chapter 10 SINGLE ADULTS AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Kathy Berliner, Demaris Jacob, & Natalie Schwartzberg
Introduction
Setting the Clinical Stage
Marriage as Social Empowerment
Marriage And The Family Of Origin
Multigenerational Themes
Class And Culture
The Single Person’s Life Cycle
The Twenties: Establishing Adulthood
The Thirties: The Single Crisis
Tasks
Midlife: Developing Alternative Scripts
Later Life: Putting It All Together
References
CHAPTER 11 FRIENDSHIP AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Timothy Baima & Kiran Arora
Introduction
Trends Across The Life Cycle
Friendship in Childhood and Adolescence
Developmental Significance and Benefits of Friendship
Developmental Characteristics of Friendship in Childhood and Adolescence
Social Influences And Friendship Stability in Childhood and Adolescence
Adult Friendships
Characteristics of Adult Friendships
Friends and Resiliency
Gender and Adult Heterosexual Friendships
Heterosexual Couples and Friendships
Friendship and Divorce
Friendships in Later Life
Friendships Among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People
Critical Themes of Friendship
Friendships and Family Relationships Complement One Another
Working on Relational Challenges in Friendships Improves Friendship Quality
Similarities Facilitate Friendship Bonds
Wholeness is Compromised in Order to Stabilize Friendship
Race is an Organizing Principle in Friendships
The Story of Our Friendship
Our Contexts
References
Chapter 12 MIGRATION AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE
Celia J. Falicov
A Social Constructionist View of the Life Cycle
MECA for Migration and Life Cycle Processes
MECA: Migration-Acculturation
Migration as a Developmental Process
Migration as Ambiguous Loss and Gain
Variations in the Experience of Traumatic Migration
Family Composition at Migration
Lack of Transitional Rituals
Transnationalism and Technologies of Communication
MECA: Ecological Context
Linguistic and Cultural Dissonance
Host Country Receptions and Community Insertions
Stresses of Racism
Double Consciousness as a Resilient Response
Silence, Poverty, Undocumented Status and Empowerment
MECA: Family Organization
Family Reorganization Due to Migration Changes
Generational Tensions and Family Reorganizations
CEFSA: Cultural Differences, Ecological Fears and Separation Anxiety
Gender Role Reorganizations in Couple Relationships
Family Separations and Reunifications
Truth or Lies
Transnational Therapies
MECA: Family Life Cycle
Cultural Change and Continuity in the Life Cycle
Age and Life Stage Implications for Migration
Religion and Spirituality
Pile-Up of Life Cycle Transitions in Transnational Contexts
Second Generation Transnational Exposure
The Immigrant’s Paradox
Conclusion
Table 12.1 Multidimensional Ecological Comparative Approach (MECA) Continuities and changes in immigrant family life cycle in cultural diversity and social justice processes.
Part 2 Life Cycle Transitions and Phases
Chapter 13 BECOMING AN ADULT: FINDING WAYS TO LOVE AND WORK
Richard H. Fulmer
Young Adulthood(s) in the New Century
Early Young Adulthood: Developmental Tasks
Work Tasks: Preparation Without Pay or Earning out of Necessity?
Relationship Tasks: Trying to Find Love in Lust
Early Young Adulthood: Ages 18 to 21
Later Young Adulthood, Ages 22 to 30: Trying to Consolidate Work and Family
Alcohol and drugs in later young adulthood
Family dynamics
Parents’ relationship
How financial support affects the relationship
Young adulthood “off the books”
Young adulthood for individuals with same-sex attractions
Young Adulthood for Men
Anticipation of Death
Barriers to Affiliation for Men
Affiliation: Can Fathers Help?
Young Adulthood for Women
Anticipation of Birth
Conclusion: Young Adulthood as a Transition for Three Generations
Chapter 14 BECOMING A COUPLE
Monica McGoldrick
Marriage in Our Times
Marriage: Sex, Love, Power, Money, and Administration
What makes Marital Adjustment More Difficult
Fusion and Intimacy
Gay and Lesbian Couples
The Wedding
Sexuality
Patterns With Extended Family
In-Laws
Sibling Issues in Couple Formation
Cultural Differences
Conclusion
Figure 14.1: Issues That Tend To Make Marital Adjustment More Difficult
Figure 14.2: Characteristics of Intimate Relationships
Chapter 15 BECOMING PARENTS: THE FAMILY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Monica McGoldrick, & Barbara Petkov, & Betty Carter
The Transition to Parenthood
Expectations Versus Reality
The Extended Family
Couple Relationships and Traditional Roles In The Parenthood Phase
Clinical Implications of Pull to Traditional Gender Roles
Child Care and The Work-Family Dilemma
Child-Rearing
Discipline
Single-Parenting
Teenage Parenting
Infertility
Adoption
Lesbian and Gay Parenting
Children with Disabilities
Child Abuse
Clinical Guidelines
The Evaluation
The Therapy
Shifting Among Levels of the System
Conclusion
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 15.1: Genogram of Gary and Sharon’s Family
Chapter 16 TRANSFORMATION OF THE FAMILY SYSTEM DURING ADOLESCENCE
Nydia Garcia Preto
Overview
Risk Behaviors and Prevention
Evolving One’s Identity: The Balance Between Self and Other: A Multicontextual Three Generational Perspective
A Multicontextual Three Generational View
Clinical Assessment
Conclusion
Chapter 17 FAMILIES AT MIDLIFE: LAUNCHING CHILDREN AND MOVING ON
Nydia Garcia Preto & Lynn Blacker
Overview: Midlife and Launching
Women and Men At Midlife
Facing Aging
Launching Children, and Redefining Relationships With Them
Renegotiating Relationships With Other Family Members And Friends
Accepting The Expansion Of The Family Through Marriage And Grandchildren
Renegotiating Couple Relationships
Divorce At Midlife
Renegotiating Relationships With Parents
The Death Of Parents
Conclusion
Chapter 18 FAMILIES IN LATER LIFE: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND RESILIENCE
Froma Walsh
The Graying of the Family
The Varying and Extended Family Life Course
From Ageism and Gerophobia to a Larger Vision of Later Life
The Vital Importance of Family Bonds
Later-Life Transitions and Challenges
Retirement
Grandparenthood
Chronic Illness and Family Caregiving
Dementias: The Long Good-Bye
Family Intervention Issues and Priorities
From Designated Caregiver to Caregiving Team
Placement Planning
End-of-life Challenges and Loss of Loved Ones
Cross-Generational Interplay of Life Cycle Issues
Successful Aging: Meaning and Connection
The Wisdom and Spirit of the Elders
The Significance of Relational Connections
Clinical Challenges and Opportunities: A Resilience-Oriented Approach
Facilitating Family Healing and Resilience
Looking Ahead
Expanding Our Developmental Lens
Chapter 19 DEATH, LOSS, AND THE FAMILY LIFE CYCLE
Monica McGoldrick & Froma Walsh
Family Adaptation to Loss
1. Shared Acknowledgment of the Death and Loss
2. Shared Experience of the Loss
3. Reorganization of the Family System
4. Reinvestment in Other Relationships and Life Pursuits
Assessing Loss In Life Cycle Perspective
Timing: When In The Family’s Life Cycle The Death Occurred
Role and Relationships with The Deceased
The Socio-Economic, Ethnic, Gender, Religious, Political and Historical Context of the Death
The Manner of Death
The Family’s History of Loss
Family Relationships and Resources at Time of Death
Loss at Various Family Life Cycle Stages
New Couples
Families with Young Children
Families with Adolescents
Launching and Moving On: Young Adults and Parents at Mid-life
Families in Later Life
Death in Divorced and Remarried Families
Varied Life Course Challenges: Hidden and Stigmatized Losses
Diverse Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs and Practices
Conclusion
Chapter 20 DIVORCE: AN UNSCHEDULED FAMILY TRANSITION
Constance R. Ahrons
The Context of Divorce: Historical and Legal Perspectives
Demographics and the Probability of Divorce
Ethnic, Gender and Life Cycle Variations
The Social Context
Divorce as a Multidimensional Process
The Binuclear Family
Dual-Household Binuclear Families
Transitions of the Divorce Process
The Transitions Framework
Individual Cognition: The Decision
Family Metacognition: The Announcement
Betrayal and Blame
Loss
Systemic Separation: Dismantling the Nuclear Family
Orderly and Disorderly Separations
Legal Issues
Systemic Reorganization: The Binuclear Family
The Former Spouse Relationship
Co-Parenting Relationships
Establishing Boundaries
Family Redefinition: The Aftermath
Clinical Overview
Chapter 21 SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES: STRENGTHS, VULNERABILITIES, AND INTERVENTIONS
Carol M. Anderson & Maria Anderson
Single Parents and the Family Life Cycle
New Single-Parent Families With Young Children
Single-Parent Families With Older Children And Adolescents
Single Parenting In The Post—Child-Rearing Years
When Single-Parent Families Seek Help
Cases Of Single-Parent Families Seeking Help
Angela: Balancing A Need For Independence With The Need For Support
Daniel: A Committed Single-Parent Father Against All Odds
Mary: Divorced, Overwhelmed, And In Crisis
Kathleen: Independent With A Vengeance
Conclusions
Chapter 22 THE REMARRIAGE CYCLE: DIVORCED, MULTINUCLEAR AND RECOUPLED FAMILIES
Monica McGoldrick & Betty Carter
Introduction
The Divorce-Remarriage Cycle
Predictable Issues In Remarriage
Adjustment and Family Integration Issues with Stepparents and Stepchildren
The Stress of Money
Gays and Lesbians in Stepfamilies
Emotional Issues: Anger, Grief, Pseudomutuality, Loyalty Conflicts, Conflict and Cutoff
Remarriage at Various Phases of the Family Life Cycle
Spouses at the Same Life Cycle Phase
Stepfamilies and Young Children
Stepfamilies With Adolescents
The Impact of Remarriage in Later Life Cycle Phases
Clinical Intervention With Remarried Families
Triangle between the new spouses and an ex-spouse
Triangle involving a pseudomutual remarried couple, an ex-spouse, and a child or children
Triangle involving a remarried couple in conflict over the child/children of one of them
Triangle involving a pseudomutual remarried couple, his children, and her children
Triangle involving a parent, the biological children, and the stepchildren
Triangle involving remarried spouses and the parents of either 332
Clinical Guidelines
Case Illustration
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 22.1: Genogram of Josh and Susan
Table 22.1: The Developmental Tasks for Divorcing & Remarrying Families
Part 3 Clinical Dilemmas and Interventions
Chapter 23 CHRONIC ILLNESS AND THE LIFE CYCLE
John S. Rolland
The Dimension of Time
The Social Context of Illness and Disabilities
Psychosocial Typology of Illness
Onset
Course
Outcome
Incapacitation
Uncertainty
Time Phases of Illness
Clinical Implications
Interweaving of the Illness, Individual and Family Development
Phases of Child-Rearing and Postlaunching
Life Cycle Transition Phases
Life Structure-Maintaining Phases
Multigenerational Experiences with Illness, Loss and Crisis
Illness Type and Time Phase Issues
Replication of System Patterns
Life Cycle Coincidences Across Generations
Serious Chronic Mental Disorders
The New Era of Genetics
Conclusion
Figure 23.1 Three dimensional model: illness type, time phase, family functioning.
Figure 23.2: Interface of Chronic Illness and the Family
Figure 23.3: Time Line and Phase of Illness
Table 23.1: Categorization of Chronic Illnesses by Psychosocial Type
Chapter 24 ALCOHOL PROBLEMS AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Tracey A. Laszloffy
Definitions of Alcoholism
Scope of the Problem
Risk Factors/Vulnerabilities
Biology and genetics
Family of origin
Age
Attitudes and beliefs about alcohol
Psychiatric disorders
Social marginalization and devaluation
Understanding Alcoholism From a Family Life Cycle Perspective
Contextual Factors
The Launching and Leaving Phase
New Couplehood
Sober—intoxicated interaction patterns
Skewed boundaries
Poor communication and low problem solving
Overfunctioning/underfunctioning
Gay and Lesbian Couples
Relationship Violence
Pregnancy and New Parenthood
Parenthood and Young Children
Approaches to Parenting
Effect of Alcoholism on Children
Families With Adolescents
Midlife Change
Divorce
Aging and Later Life
Implications for Treatment
Case Study
The Burton family
Conclusion
Chapter 25 VIOLENCE AND THE LIFE CYCLE
Monica McGoldrick & Mary Anne Ross
Introduction
Violence Is Abuse of Power
The Experience of Violence is Different for Men and Women
Not Just A Family Legacy But A Social Legacy
Couples
Families With Children
Children Experiencing Physical Violence
Child Sexual Abuse
Intervention Begins With Education
Bullying and Cyber-Bullying
Families With Adolescents
Assessment
Intervention
Families at Midlife
Older Families
Conclusion
Figures-Genograms-
Figure 25.1: U.S. Government Definition of Domestic Violence
Chapter 26 CREATING MEANINGFUL RITUALS FOR NEW LIFE CYCLE TRANSITIONS
Evan Imber-Black
Creating Rituals as a Developmental Task for Couples
Contemporary Life Cycle Transitions
El Salvador and the Bronx
The Emergence of Symptoms
The house-cooling party
Therapeutic Rituals
The giving of gifts
Discussion of the Ritual
Healing Rituals
Setting fire to the past
Identity Redefinition Rituals
A mutual adoption celebration
Designing and Implementing Rituals for New Life Cycle Transitions
Conclusion
Chapter 27 THE THERAPIST AND THE FAMILY: THE INTERSECTION OF LIFE CYCLES
Steve Lerner
Dimensions of Similarity Between Therapist and Client
Brief Scenarios: Complex Therapist—Family Life Cycle Interactions
Families With Young Children: A Complex Intersection
She Nurtures/He Earns: The Therapist’s Transition Gets in the Way
Supervision
Supervisory feedback
Family of origin data
The Long-Term View: Working With One Family Over Successive Life Cycle Stages
Working With Loss: A Link Between Life Cycle Stages
Conclusion