Assignment 2b: Communication Within Families Three 17-Year-O

Assignment 2bcommunication Within Familiesthree 17 Year Old High Schoo

Assignment 2b Communication within Families Three 17-year-old high school students are planning on going to an 8pm movie together on a Friday night. Sally has no curfew, so she didn’t think going to the movies would be a problem. Sally asked her mother on Tuesday if she could go and her mother said "yes." When Friday arrived, her mother told Sally that she couldn’t go to the movies anymore, it was too late for her to go out, and she needed to stay home. Her mother then left to go to the bar, and Sally was left to feed and care for her younger brother. Mary asked her father if she could go to the movies.

He responded that as her curfew was 9pm she was not allowed to go to the movies. Mary did not want to question her father’s decision, so she kept quiet, even though it was the weekend, and she had no responsibilities on Saturday morning. Mary asked her mother if she would try to talk to her father to convince him to lift the curfew for one night, but her mother refused to do so. Sam asked his parents if he could go to the movies. His parents stated that while normally his curfew was 9pm, it was a weekend night and he had no plans early in the morning on Saturday.

Sam’s parents decided that as long as his homework and chores were finished, he could have an extension on his curfew for the evening, and could go to the movies. On Friday afternoon, Sam completed his homework and chores, and left to see the movie, with the promise to call his parents if the movie got out later than 10pm. Respond to the following using the information from the text and lectures: Instruction: All the questions need to answered correctly and detailed answers · Identify which boundary is best described by each family in the scenario above. · Identify which boundary inadequacies are present in each family, if applicable. · Explain how each boundary and boundary inadequacy manifests itself. · What behaviors contribute to the development and maintenance of each of these boundaries? · Which of these teens are at risk for future substance abuse and why? · What can parents do to avoid or change any maladaptive boundary patterns in their families?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Family boundaries are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and clear roles within a family system. They regulate the flow of information, regulate interactions, and establish limits between family members and the outside world. The scenario involving three 17-year-old teens planning their weekend activities offers insight into different boundary types and potential boundary inadequacies. This paper analyzes each family's boundary style, discusses boundary issues, how these manifest, and explores intervention strategies to promote healthier boundary patterns, thereby reducing risks such as substance abuse.

1. Boundary Types in Each Family

Applying Bowen's family systems theory, the boundaries in each family can be classified as follows:

- Sally's family: This scenario illustrates a diffuse boundary. Sally’s mother initially permits her to go to the movies but later rescinds that permission unilaterally without clear communication. The lack of firm boundaries is apparent as Sally's mother appears emotionally enmeshed or inconsistent, making boundaries unclear and overly permeable. Additionally, her mother leaves for a bar, carrying out her own needs at Sally’s expense, which indicates boundary invasion and emotional enmeshment.

- Mary's family: This scenario demonstrates a rigid boundary. Mary's father enforces a strict 9 pm curfew and is unwilling to negotiate, exemplifying limited permeability. Mary accepts her father’s authority without resistance, indicating a strict boundary that inhibits open communication and flexibility. Her mother’s refusal to intervene also signifies a boundary that discourages shared decision-making and open dialogue.

- Sam's family: This case depicts a flexible boundary. Sam’s parents are willing to extend his curfew based on responsible behavior such as completed chores and homework. They allow for a degree of autonomy while maintaining overall control. The boundary is adaptable, adjusting for the context of a weekend night and his demonstrated responsibility.

2. Boundary Inadequacies present in each family

- Sally's family: The primary boundary inadequacy is diffuse or blurred boundaries. The mother’s inconsistency and emotional enmeshment with her own needs (going to the bar) at the expense of Sally’s well-being exemplify boundary confusion and lack of clear separation between individual needs and family rules.

- Mary's family: The boundary is excessively rigid, leading to boundary inflexibility. This rigidity prevents open communication, keeping the daughter from expressing her desires or negotiating exceptions, fostering secrecy and passive acceptance.

- Sam's family: The boundary appears healthy and adaptive; however, an inadequacy may develop if rules become too lenient or inconsistent, leading to a lack of structure. Since the parents are allowing more flexibility based on responsibility, potential exists for this boundary to loosen further if not carefully maintained.

3. Manifestations of Boundaries and Boundary Inadequacies

- Sally: The diffuse boundary manifests in Sally’s frustration and possibly feelings of confusion, as she is initially granted permission then denied without explanation. The mother’s departure to a bar signifies boundary invasion, reducing Sally’s independence.

- Mary: Rigid boundaries manifest as silence and passive compliance. Even though there is no open dialogue or negotiation, Mary internalizes her frustration, which can lead to resentment or rebellion.

- Sam: The flexible boundary manifests in open communication and trust. Sam’s responsible actions and the parents’ willingness to extend rules promote a balanced relationship, which encourages autonomy.

4. Behaviors Contributing to Boundary Development and Maintenance

- Sally: The mother’s inconsistent decision-making and emotionally driven choices contribute to boundary confusion. Sally's passive compliance or uncertainty may also maintain the diffuse boundary.

- Mary: The father's strict enforcement without negotiation or flexibility, and her acceptance of the authority without contest, contribute to boundary rigidity. Her unwillingness to question authority or seek open discussion sustains this pattern.

- Sam: The parents’ willingness to assess responsibility and approve an extension based on chores and homework demonstrates positive boundary maintenance. Sam’s responsible behavior and communication with his parents support a healthy boundary dynamic.

5. Teens at Risk for Future Substance Abuse

Based on boundary patterns, Sally and Mary are at higher risk for future substance abuse. Sally’s diffuse boundary and inconsistent limits may lead her to seek peer approval and engage in risky behaviors to gain independence or cope with frustration. Her lack of firm boundaries reduces supervision and increases vulnerability. Mary’s rigid boundaries may result in rebellion or covert substance use as an act of resistance or as an outlet for frustration within an overly controlled environment.

Conversely, Sam, with his responsible behavior and adaptive boundary with his parents, exhibits a lower risk of future substance abuse. His autonomy is balanced with appropriate oversight, fostering resilience and self-regulation skills.

6. Parental Strategies to Improve Boundary Patterns

Parents can adopt several strategies to foster healthier boundaries:

- For Sally’s family: Establish clear, consistent boundaries regarding expectations, and improve communication to prevent boundary confusion. Parents should avoid impulsive decisions and ensure their actions respect the child’s age and independence.

- For Mary’s family: Increase flexibility by engaging in open dialogue, negotiating exceptions within reasonable limits. Parents should encourage her to express her views and participate in boundary setting, promoting autonomy while maintaining safety.

- For Sam’s family: Maintain the current balance but remain vigilant to prevent boundaries from becoming too lax. Continue fostering responsibility and trust, and implement consistent consequences for irresponsible behaviors.

These strategies foster a nurturing environment where boundaries are clear, flexible, and supportive. Such an environment minimizes confusion and promotes positive development, reducing the likelihood of maladaptive behaviors such as substance abuse.

Conclusion

Healthy family boundaries are vital for adolescents’ development of autonomy, responsibility, and self-regulation. The analysis reveals varying boundary styles among the three families, with Sally’s family exhibiting diffuse boundaries, Mary’s family showing rigidity, and Sam’s family demonstrating healthy flexibility. Each boundary pattern has implications for the teens' future behaviors, including risks for substance abuse. Parents play a crucial role in shaping boundary patterns through consistent, open, and supportive communication. Implementing adaptive boundary-increasing strategies can foster resilience in adolescents, ultimately reducing adverse outcomes and promoting healthy familial relationships.

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