Structural family theory was developed by Salvador Minuchin, an Argentine pediatrician. It focuses on the organization and structure of families, including subsystems, boundaries, roles and communication patterns. Problems arise when boundaries are too rigid or diffuse, members are disengaged or enmeshed, and the family cannot adapt to change. Structural family therapists use assessment and interventions like sculpting and role plays to realign family structures and empower subsystems. The theory aims to address issues related to poverty, discrimination and other social injustices impacting families. It has been effectively used for over 40 years to help families with multiple problems.

1. STRUCTURAL FAMILY THEORY David Potts

2. Origins and Social Context Salvador Minuchin Pediatric physician from Argentina Israeli Army Psychoanalytic practice New York State Wiltwyck School for Boys Work with delinquent boys Post WWII Theory applied to non-traditional inner city families Suitable for families with single parenthood, illness, acting-out members, drug addiction, crime, and violence

3. Origins and Social Context In common with cognitive and behavioral theories Complimentary to Family emotional systems theory Concrete interventions Structural functionalism Social institution

4. Major Concepts Subsystems Executive Authority Boundaries Rules Roles Triangles Flexibility Alliances Communication Other Concepts

5. The Nature of Problems And Change Power Imbalances Subsystem Boundaries too rigid or too diffuse Disengaged Members Enmeshed Members Pervasive Conflict Failure of the System to Realign Member Resistance Action Precedes Understanding

6. Assessment And Interventions Social Worker / Client Relationship Assessment Intervention Repetition Supporting System Strengths Relabeling

7. Assessment and Interventions (cont.) Problem Tracking Teaching Stress Management Skills Discussion and Mutual Decision Making Manipulating Space Sculpting Communication Skills Training Role Plays Role Reversals Ending Structural Interventions

8. Spirituality In Structural Family Theory Focused on organization rather than family life Theory does not explore belief systems Effects more important than content

9. Attention To Social Justice Issues Focus on change issues related to poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice Families not receptive to office based needs, w\either for cultural reasons or because they do not have transportation resources Two tier: Primary focus on structure of family intervention and secondary focus family invited to participate in multiple family support group meetings

10. Evidence in Effectiveness 10 year study Results vary Children with health issues Children with ADHD/Hyperactivity Disorder Substance Abuse Adolescents with behavior problems

11. Criticisms Of The Theory De-emphasizes emotional lives Biases on appropriate family structure Cross Cultural considerations Avoiding Assumptions

12. Conclusion Architecture of a given family considered Help families with multiple problems Used in case management Environmental interventions Used for over 40 years and continued today as society is rapidly changing

13. References Walsh, J. (2006). Theories For Direct Social Work Practice. Thomson Brooks/Cole. Belmont, CA. http://www.minuchincenter.org . retrieved March 1, 2009.