1. Family Development Theory
Sonia Takacs, RN, DNP-s
Jenise Ropp, RN, DNP-s

2. Introduction
The family is a complex structure that may be viewed through various frameworks.
The family developmental theory is one such approach
In this theory, the family is a dynamic system that experiences sequential development
Individuals grow, develop, mature, and age through successive changes
Internal changes and external influences impact this change
(Smith & Hamon, 2017)
As the individual grows, develops, matures and ages through successive changes and adjustments, the individual’s family experiences a sequence of development of its own. The family is a dynamic system, which changes and develops progressively over time due to changes that operate within and through the influence of a broader social context (Smith & Hamon, 2017). This presentation will explore the family development theory.

3. Objectives
To discuss the history and background of the family development theory
To describe the basic tenets of this theory
To pictorially illustrate the family development theory
To describe the criticisms of this theory
To initiate discussion of the application of this theory to nursing practice

4. History and Background
Rodgers' contribution to the XIII International Congress on Family Research (1973), and Rodgers in 1964.
Three main ideas contributed to this evolutionary approach from
Family concept formulated in 1948, at a national conference
Duval and Hill identify the concept of the family life cycle in 1948
The field of structural-functional theories added new contributions in 1950
(Fong, 1992; Laszloffy, 2004)
Historical evolution of family development theory
There are two main studies that can be referenced to follow the construction of the family development. One is Rodgers' contribution to the XIII International Congress on Family Research (1973). The second is that of Hill and Rodgers in 1964.
In the period from 1900 to 1948 three main ideas can be identified that contributed to this evolutionary approach of looking at the family.
At a 1948 National Health Assembly, which was heavily influenced by Evelyn Duvall’s and Reuben Hill’s ideas, a family concept was established in which a detailed description of the typical family history could be formulated. This concept included the civil formation of marriage through courtship and its dissolution, with divorce or death.
In 1950, new contributions to the evolutionary approach came from the field of structural-functional theories. Unlike before, the concept of stage of development was no longer used to refer to a particular family member, but to the family as a whole, as a system in which there are a series of family evolutionary tasks that are used as criteria to distinguish the various evolutionary stages.

5. History and Background
Main contributing ideas from :
1) The family life cycle is an independent demographic variable
2) The life cycle of the family is a process
3) Ongoing research on human development made significant contributions
(Allen & Finkelstein, 2014; Fong, 1992)
Historical evolution of family development
The studies that can be referenced to follow the construction of the family development are mainly two. One is Rodgers' contribution to the XIII International Congress on Family Research (1973). The second is that of Hill and Rodgers in 1964.
In the period from 1900 to 1948 three main ideas can be identified that contributed to this evolutionary approach of the family.
1) The family life cycle as an independent demographic variable.
2) The life cycle of the family as a process. Such process could be identified as the following: the first marriage, the birth of the first child, the birth of the last child, the death of one of the spouses and that of the surviving spouse are taken into consideration.
3) The contribution of studies on human development and research on human development, which considered the family as a natural growth environment, provided insights to deepen the concept of the family life cycle.
At a 1948 National Health Assembly, which was heavily influenced by Evelyn Duvall’s and Reuben Hill’s ideas, a family concept was established in which a detailed description of the typical family history could be formulated. This concept included the civil formation of marriage through courtship and its dissolution, with divorce or death.
In 1950, new contributions to the evolutionary approach came from the field of structural-functional theories. Unlike before, the concept of stage of development was no longer used to refer to a particular family member, but to the family as a whole, as a system in which there are a series of family evolutionary tasks that are used as criteria to distinguish the various evolutionary stages.

6. Terms and Concepts Family - social group with specific social norms
Family Development - results from transitions
Stages - influenced by work, age, and number of family members
Transitions - events triggering the family’s passage to another stage
Change - Conversion into something different
Developmental Tasks - parts individuals play in response to changes and pressures
Norms - social rules dictating what individuals do
Timing - families are expected to achieve certain milestones at particular times
There are several key terms and concepts to bear in mind when considering the family development theory.
Family - According to White, “Family is “an intergenerational social group organized and governed by social norms regarding descent and affinity, reproduction, and the nurturant socialization of the young” (Smith & Hamon, 2017, p. 80).
Family development - Transitions within the family result in family development. These can be analyzed in terms of individuals, family relationships, and the family as a group, as well as at the institutional level (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Stages - Each stage of family development is influenced by work, age of family members, and number of family members. Events often trigger the transition from one stage to the next. Each stage is characterized by a mutual understanding of family members regarding their roles (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Transitions - These may be viewed as the connecting points between stages of family members (Smith & Hamon, 2017). As mentioned, particular family events, such as childbirth, are transitions leading the family into another stage (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Change - Change is defined as conversion into something different. This occurs with family relationships due to transitions and triggers (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Developmental tasks - These are the parts individuals play in response to various changes and pressures (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Norms - Norms are social rules dictating what individuals do (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Two types of norms include static and process norms. These drive in what order individuals have children and get married, when young adults drink, etc. (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Timing - In the context of family development, timing refers to order in which families achieve certain milestones. It makes a significant difference when an event occurrs in a family (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
(Smith & Hamon, 2017)

7. Basic Assumptions Family changes over time
Family has several tasks in each stage
Family’s actions are determined by societal norms
Reciprocity of family members’ development
Factors such as social and historical context impact family
Time is a necessary lens for viewing change
(Smith & Hamon, 2017)
When discussing the family development theory, it is essential to bear in mind the following six assumptions:
Family changes over time
Family has several tasks in each stage
Family’s actions is determined by societal norms
Reciprocity of family members’ development
Factors such as social and historical context impact family
Time is a necessary lens for viewing change (Smith & Hamon, 2017)

8. Family Development Theory
(Smith & Hamon, 2017)
Based on Duval and Hill’s observations of the family life cycle, the following eight-stages of the family life cycle were developed (Allen & Finkelstein, 2014). In the first stage, two individuals develop a relationship and initiate marriage (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Tasks associated with this first stage include pondering pregnancy and parenting, focusing on marriage, and adjusting their circle of friends (Smith & Hamon, 2017).In the second stage, the couple becomes parents, adapting to the life of having infants (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Thirdly, the children mature to the preschool stage, creating great demands on the energy and privacy of the parents (Smith & Hamon, 2017). In the fourth stage, the children attend school, which causes the parents to focus their energies on their children’s education and larger community connections (Smith & Hamon, 2017). The fifth stage occurs with teenagers in the house, as the parents must now encourage increasing independence and maturity (Smith & Hamon, 2017). The launching center, or sixth stage, occurs as the children begin to leave the house with commitments to marriage, college, the military, or work (Smith & Hamon, 2017). In this stage, the role of the parents is to support the children using the home as the foundation (Smith & Hamon, 2017). The seventh stage occurs when the parents become middle-aged, with the children out of the house, leaving them time and space to connect with their friends from various generations and focus on their marital relationship (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Lastly, the eighth phase occurs as family members age (Smith & Hamon, 2017). This stage may include retirement, becoming a widow or widower, or moving from the home base (Smith & Hamon, 2017).

9. Stages of the Family Life Cycle
1. Established phase - courtship and marriage
Couples learn teamwork
Couples develop communication patterns, behaviors, and values
A marriage ceremony is a demarcated symbol of status
2. Childbearing families - families with infants
Emotional bonding between mother and her baby
New roles (father/mother)
Provide for cognitive and emotional needs of the new baby.
Maintain marital communication
Stage 1: Established phase-courtship and marriage:
Couples learn to solve conflicts, desires, and work together as a team.
Couples must develop an intellectual and emotional communication patterns, patterns of behaviors, and set of values
A marriage ceremony is a demarcated symbol of status
Stage 2: Childbearing families- families with infants:
Emotional bonding between mother and her baby
New roles (father/mother)
Provide for cognitive and emotional needs for the new baby.
The couple must keep a good communication technique
(Smith & Hamon, 2017 & O'Brien, 2005).

10. Stages of the Family Life Cycle, Cont’d.
3. Families with preschool children
Promoting structure and safe environment
Adjust to temperaments of the children
High demand on time, energy, and money
4. Families with school-age children
Social interaction that impacts family system
Parents must provide for activities in and out of school
The concept “helping around the house” becomes vital
(Smith & Hamon, 2017; O'Brien, 2005)
Stage 3 - Families with preschool children
Promoting structure and safe environment
Adjust to temperaments of the children
High demand on time, energy and money
Stage 4: Families with school-age children:
Social interaction that impacts family system
Parents must provide for in and out to school activities
The concept “helping around the house” becomes vital

11. Stages of the Family Life Cycle, Cont’d.
5. Families with adolescent
Rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial change
Freedom and independence
Cooperative and symbolic interactions
6. Families with young adults--the launching stage
First and last child leave
Family adjusts to new responsibilities
Parents support the child with financial resources
(Smith & Hamon, 2017; O'Brien, 2005)
Stage 5 - Families with adolescent
Rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial change
Freedom and independency
Cooperative and symbolic interactions
Stage 6 - Families with young adults--The launching stage
The family experience the cycle of contraction
First and last child to leave
Supporting the child with financial resources

12. Stages of the Family Life Cycle, Cont’d.
7. The middle-age years
Before retirement
All children have launched
New adjustment for the couple’s communication
8. Aging family members
Adjusting to retirement
Adjusting to loss of the first spouse
End with the loss of the second spouse
(Smith & Hamon, 2017; O'Brien, 2005)
7. The middle years
Before retirement
All children have launched
New adjustment for the couple’s communication
8. Aging family member
Adjusting to retirement
Adjusting to loss of the first spouse
End with the loss of the second spouse

13. Systemic Family Development
Represents the various generations involved
Family is viewed as a round, multilayered cake
Each layer represents a generational system
The relationship between layers is important
Because the family development theory was criticized for viewing the family as one-generational, Laszloffy created the systemic family development theory to address the various generations involved in the family (Smith & Hamon, 2017). In this approach, the family is viewed as a round, multilayered cake. Each layer represents a generational system.
1st generation level- a young adult is preparing to leave home for college
2nd generation level- a couple marrying for the first time in mid-life: parents are preparing to launch their son/daughter for college
3rd generation level- recent divorce: retirement
4th generation level-recent death
According to this theorist, it is essential to evaluate the various relationships between layers (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
(Pinin, 2017)
(White, Klein & Martin, 2015; Smith & Hamon, 2017)

14. Systemic Family Development Model
4th generational level: Recent death
3rd generational level: Recent divorce:retirement
2nd generational level: A couple marrying for the first time in mid life:
Parents are preparing to launch their son for college
1st generational level: A young adult is preparing to leave home for college
Listed here is a visual of the systemic family development model. As mentioned on the previous slide, each layer of the cake depicts a different generation. In a typical family system, the fourth generation may refer to the parents of a couple. The couple forms the third layer, their children are the second layer, and their grandchildren are the first layer of a cake (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
1st generation level- a young adult is preparing to leave home for college
2nd generation level- a couple marrying for the first time in mid-life: parents are preparing to launch their son/daughter for college
3rd generation level- recent divorce: retirement
4th generation level-recent death
Thus, this model more effectively presents the various generations involved in the family system.
(Laszloffy, 2004; Smith & Hamon, 2017)

15. Critique of Theory Used to describe traditional nuclear families
Does not adequately address nontraditional family structures
Accused of being only a descriptive theory
Provided only simple descriptions, with no inter-relational explanations
Did not address family demographics in early versions
(Smith & Hamon, 2017)
A primary critique of the family development theory is its focus on traditional nuclear families (Smith & Hamon, 2017). While it works well for families with two parents who are heterosexual and non-divorced, it fails to address death, divorce, remarriage, unmarried parents, gay or lesbian couples, and couples without children (Smith & Hamon, 2017). This narrow focus can marginalize non-traditional family structures.
Even when applied to traditional nuclear families, not all children launch at the same age or as completely as described in the theory (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Others do not experience every developmental stage described (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
Because this theory focuses on the traditional family structure, it is said to be useful only as a descriptive theory, limiting its ability to generate research and predict family functioning (Smith & Hamon, 2017). This theory was initially broad and detailed, including a vast amount of information (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Yet, to limit the complexity of the theory, it was described in simple terms (Smith & Hamon, 2017). Thus, the theory described only how families moved through various stages of development, with no mention of how the stages were related to each other or were viewed in the overall context of family development (Smith & Hamon, 2017).
In its infancy, the theory did not incorporate race, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or family structure into its concepts (Smith & Hamon, 2017). However, later renditions did address this critique. Thus, while the family development theory can be applied to many situations, it is not perfect or above critique.

16. Conclusion
The family development theory allows providers to view the family in light of their developmental stage.
The two main characteristics of this theory are the family life cycle and the systemic family development.
The family is viewed as transitioning through eight stages, beginning with marriage and ending with death.
This theory is imperfect as it fails to consider the non-traditional family structure.

17. References
Allen, T. D., & Finkelstein, L. M. (2014). Work-family conflict among members of a full-time dualers couples: An examination of
family life stage, gender, and age. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), Retrieved from
Fong, C. M. (1992). Family theory development in nursing (book review). Western Journal of Nursing Research, 14(3), 389.
Retrieved from
Laszloffy, T. A. (2004). Rethinking family development theory: Teaching with the systemic family development (SFD) model.
Family Relations, 51(3), 206. Retrieved from
O'Brien, M. (2005). Studying individual and family development: Linking theory and research. Journal of Marriage & Family,
67(4), doi: /j x
Pinin. (2017). Russian honey cake [digital image]. Retrieved from
Smith, S. R., & Hamon, R. R. (2017). Exploring family theories (4th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
White. J., Klein, D., and Martin, T. F. (2015). Family Theories (4th ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

18. Discussion Questions
Describe and give an example of how this theory can be applied to nursing practice.
What are the major limitations of this theory?
Would the family development theory be considered a macro or micro level theory? Why?
Reflect on your own family. What stage are you in?
What is an example of a developmental task during parenting?
Explain daycare needs during a stage of family development.
The family cycle explains how families change over time. Please share an example demonstrating this aspect.
Compare and contrast the family development theory to another family theory.

19. Discussion Questions
9. Consider families in the final stage--aging family members. Having enough money to meet medical expenses could be a struggle for many retired older adults. Share your thoughts about ways to help with this as a future provider.
10. Utilizing the family development theory, visualize yourself as a future provider and answer one of the following questions: a) How will you share the news that a child has a disability? b) How will you inform a family of a senior’s death? c) How will you explain to new parents about an infant’s crying, sleeping, and feeding patterns?
11. Would family development theory be useful to you as family health care provider? If no, why not? If yes, in what situations?

20. Thank you!