To understand the cognitive factors and their correlation with the social environment, I would like to analyze the Henry family from Joe the King. Joe possesses an addictive personality, as he is shown smoking, he is prone to criminal activities, violent behavior, and has very low self-esteem and mental health issues (O’Hara & Whaley, 1999). Mike shows poor communication with his family and avoids interactions with his relatives, and he projects his anger by bullying others and also possesses low self-esteem. Bob has an addictive personality and is prone to alcohol, nicotine consumption, and gambling. He is abusive towards other family members and generally avoids any non-basic interactions with them. Theresa has a victim personality, and she is in a state of persistent depression, shows detachment and lack of empathy towards others.
This allotment of cognitive factors possessed by the members of Joe’s family creates a toxic environment that multiplies the effects of their poor socio-economic situation. A dysfunctional family regularly has internal conflicts and shows high levels of instability (“Defining the traits of dysfunctional families,” 2017). The presented behavior of the family members leaves them disconnected from each other, making them prone to depression, anxiety, and self-destructive tendencies.
These cognitive factors have a noticeable adverse impact on both the societal status of the family and their health. Joe and Mike are unable to study at an acceptable level due to being under constant stress from family issues, which are multiplied in a school environment (O’Hara & Whaley, 1999). Their addictive behavior will lead to a series of health issues in the future, which are already observable in their parents. Criminal tendencies were not a personality issue for the main character. Instead, they were a direct result of the pressure from his environment.
References
Defining the traits of dysfunctional families. (2017). King University Online. Web.
O’Hara, R., Macaulay, S., Dewis, J., & Marx, L. (Producers), & Whaley, F. (Director). (1999). Joe the King [Motion picture]. United States: 49th Parallel, Forensic/291 Films, Lower East Side Films.