Theoretical Frameworks
Overview
Among the social science approaches that nurses can use when working with families in communities are family systems theory (FST) and social cognitive theory (SCT). FST concerns the behavior of each member of a household and assumes that one individual within the group can affect the whole familial unit (Coy, 2019). SCT regards human contact as a result of interactions between personal, cognitive, and environmental factors (Manjarres-Posada et al., 2020). Accordingly, the two views suggest that a person’s condition is influenced by others, whether their relatives or external factors.
Comparison
The two theoretical frameworks can be compared based on their focus, basic elements, and usefulness for nurses assisting families. First, FST focuses on patterns within a household to assess anxiety, whereas SCT examines overall behavior impacted by diverse factors (Coy, 2019; Jakimowicz et al., 2021; Manjarres-Posada et al., 2020).
Second, FST encompasses several states that outline the feeling of anxiety. For example, the idea of sibling position suggests that one’s functioning depends on one’s birth order and the presence of other children in the family (Jakimowicz et al., 2021). In comparison, SCT encompasses concepts such as environmental and psychological determinants of health. For instance, the former term implies that an individual is both affected and can impact their surroundings (Manjarres-Posada et al., 2020).
Third, FST can be employed by nurses to investigate the familial background of their patients, particularly those experiencing anxiety (Coy, 2019; Jakimowicz et al., 2021). However, SCT offers a more comprehensive approach that includes a person’s relatives as part of a bigger assessment (Manjarres-Posada et al., 2020). Therefore, when working with families, nurses can utilize FST or SCT, based on the needs of each particular patient.
Ecomap and Genogram
Ecomap
Experts who provide healthcare services to families can utilize methods such as ecomaps and genograms to better understand those seeking assistance. The first tool illustrates systems that interact with a patient or their household, encompassing areas such as support, disconnection, or conflict (Libbon et al., 2019). For example, Image 1 below depicts an ecomap for Family A, which consists of a young mother, father, and their two-year-old son living in a one-bedroom apartment. In the center is Family A; the remaining circles represent the household’s interactions with other people and institutions, and the lines indicate the nature of each relationship.
Image 1 displays an alleged situation of Family A, assuming, for instance, that their relatives support them and that the parents have lost contact with their friends after having a baby. In a real-world scenario, a healthcare practitioner would converse with patients to determine the actual systems and their relationships. Overall, ecomaps are insightful for identifying what areas of life may concern people in need of professional assistance.
Genogram
Another tool that can be utilized to understand one’s condition is a genogram. The instrument can be used to track disease inheritance or collect and observe family data (Libbon et al., 2019). Image 2 below shows a genogram for Family A, depicting each member in the household, their connections, ages, birth years, genders, and living situations. More details can be added to the genogram once further information is received, such as relationships with grandparents or chronic illnesses among relatives. The tool can be insightful in helping one better comprehend their condition, identify patterns, and determine potential ways for improvement (Libbon et al., 2019). Accordingly, a genogram is a practical tool for professionals to gain a deeper understanding of a family.
References
Coy, M. J. (2019). Adolescent substance abuse: An introduction to attachment and systems theories. Social Science and Humanities Journal, 3(6), 1379-1394.
Manjarres-Posada, N., Onofre-Rodríguez, D. J., & Benavides-Torres, R. A. (2020). Social cognitive theory and health care: Analysis and evaluation. International Journal of Social Science Studies, 8(4), 132-141.
Jakimowicz, S., Perry, L., & Lewis, J. (2021). Bowen family systems theory: Mapping a framework to support critical care nurses’ well‐being and care quality. Nursing Philosophy, 22(2), 1-11.
Libbon, R., Triana, J., Heru, A., & Berman, E. (2019). Family skills for the resident toolbox: The 10-min genogram, ecomap, and prescribing homework. Academic Psychiatry, 43, 435-439.