Circumplex model of family function in practice

The recent dramatic resurgence in Israel of family medicine as a medical specialty has stimulated interest in concepts that view family function and dysfunction from the standpoint of family relationships and interaction, and in which the family is seen as a unit rather than as a collection of individuals. One model of family functioning, the circumplex model, is explained. This is based upon two dimensions, cohesion and adaptability. The potential relevance of this model to family medicine in Israel is discussed, along with a brief account of the author's initial steps in developing it for use as a tool in practice.