Introduction
The family in the context of family systems theory represents a complex institution with many moving processes. Despite the fact that the system consists of separate parts, it functions as a whole. Another feature of a family system is the mutual influence of members on each other and the system in its entirety. The family is not comprised of the usual linear causal relationships. Instead, it is the result of continuing patterns of communication, and crises emerge when there are issues with these patterns. Conflicts and problems may result in instabilities but may also be converted into opportunities (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013). However, unpredictable situations may cause more significant damage than simple pattern issues. This paper covers such issues and presents potential ways of solving them.
Situation 1
A young family is waiting for their first child, and as the day of delivery approaches, the wife is forced to leave her job and stay home. The husband becomes the only person to work and feed the family. The crisis occurs after childbirth – the husband loses his job, and the family is now facing financial challenges. The wife cannot yet return to her previous workplace, and the husband is having issues finding a new job. In such stressful circumstances, it is hard to predict what the eventual impact of the crisis will be. The family might break apart because the husband, pressured by his inability to provide for his family, may develop unfavorable habits such as alcoholism. To successfully pass these difficulties, the family should seek assistance from the external environment. For instance, the government might help with employment.
Situation 2
Emergencies also pose a threat to family stability and may lead to severe consequences. For instance, a family might lose its home because of a tornado and be left with no place to stay. Such situations may provide not only instability but also a threat to the family’s existence. The family should seek help from a social worker because they are generally knowledgeable of various welfare and social support programs that might provide necessary resources to cope with the challenges. For instance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (2019) can help with temporary housing, family meals, and filing insurance claims. The family might not know what steps it should take. Therefore the availability of a family social worker is vital.
Situation 3
The death of a family member is also an unpredictable source of stress and crisis within the family. The severity of the consequences depends on how the family members react to this event. If they choose to be together and support each other, they will be able to go through the hardships successfully. However, it is very challenging for the members to manage themselves adequately in the face of such a distressing event. Potential adverse consequences include divorce, alcoholism, drug abuse, and others. Interventions provided by a family social worker may help establish necessary communication between the family members to remedy the situation and achieve stability.
Conclusion
Unpredictable events may have a significant impact on a family’s stability. This paper covered some of the possible scenarios, but it is not possible to claim that every crisis can be solved. However, seeking assistance from others may mitigate some of the negative consequences and provide a foundation for stability. The role of the family social worker in this context is crucial. Competence to deal with the problems caused by adverse patterns of communication and interaction and unpredictable crises makes social workers a critical figure in family prosperity.
References
Collins, D., Jordan, C., & Coleman, H. (2013). An introduction to family social work (4th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2019). About the agency. Web.