FAMILY STRENGTH THEORY

The family strengths theory perspective identifies and builds on positive attributes in family functioning. 

Family strength approach helps the family to define their vision and hopes for the future instead of looking at the factors that contribute to family problem.

The effects of family strengths is having a strong family.
OTTO’s Framework 

The framework is built on the following factors

Nurturing
Support[ members in the family]
Parental discipline
Encouragement of growth and maturation of all family members
Spiritual well-being of members
Good communication among members
Problem solving skills among family members.

Encouraging participation of members in family decision/affairs. 

Nurturing: Every member of the family should be supported and encouraged, during the period of training or development. 

Support[ members in the family] : Every member of the family should be in agreement and have the encouragement needed,  aiming at the  success of every members.

Parental Discipline: Both parent should  be discipline in order to instill good moral on their  children, with reasons to the member affected.

Encouragement of growth and maturation of all family members: Every members of the family should be rallied round in times of difficulty. E.g. A pregnant woman who have lost the pregnancy should be encouraged and supported. An adolescence who just failed an exam should be encouraged and motivated to do better 

Spiritual well-being of members: Families should pray together and encourage each other in spiritual activities 

Good communication among members : There should be open communication at all time , there should be no barrier to effective communication.

Problem solving skills among family members: Every member of the family should be empowered, equipped and favorable disposed to the ability to tackle challenges.

Encouraging participation of members in family decision/affair : Every member of the family should be free to contributes in decision making in the family, ie there should not be monopoly of decision  making  as this may ruin the togetherness of the family.

Components of a strong family
  • Strong marriage 
  • Strength as parent 
  • Parent helping children to develop
  • Good relationships within the family
  •  Family does things together
  •  Social and economic status satisfactory
  • Religious beliefs
  • Comfortable home environment 
  • Active in community affairs
  • Education
  • Capacity for change
  • Good relationship with in-laws
  • Attitudes towards sex
  • Recognizing the need for and accepting help
      Family Strength Qualities

Commitment: Focusing on promoting family welfare and happiness, balancing relation -ships, sharing responsibility, not over committing to activities outside the home.

Setting common goals- A common agreement for the growth of the family

Appreciation and affection: Positive recognition in a positive environment to enhance personal self -worth

Positive communication: Respectively using listening and conversation skills to discuss family issues without attacking  each  other


Enjoyable time together: To enhance relationship and establish family identities


A  sense  of  spiritual  well-being  : A  unifying  force  that  brings  meaning  and  purpose  to  guide  lives


The ability  to  cope  with  stress  and  crisis  :  uniting  the  family  through  good  communication  skills  ,adding  humor  to the  situation  and  keeping things  in  perspectives
 

Clinical Implications
Help to establish a trusting relationship with the families

Help to acknowledge the family’s   individualized, spiritual perspective that promote their general well being

Help  families  understand  that  enjoyable  time  together  during  an  illness  is  important.

Encourage families to be physically close and celebrate occasions.

Encourage  individuals and  families  to  express  appreciation  and   affection  for  assistance  during  an  illness.



Author: Mrs. Nweke Chigozie

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