Family theory and family therapy models: comparative review with implications for nursing practice

Although theories of the family and theories of family therapy have different origins and purposes, both provide the basis for a family focused nursing approach. Family theory is a practice theory with a focus on health while family therapy is a practice theory with a focus on pathology. Thus, the contributions of each are different. For nurses to adapt and apply the principles of the two theories correctly, they first must understand whether application of a basic theory with a focus on health or a practice theory with a focus on pathology is appropriate in the particular nursing situation. For example, if a husband is hospitalized, recovering from a myocardial infarction, a family focused nursing approach is mandatory in providing optimal nursing care. Assessment of the family situation will provide clues for the functional or dysfunctional state of the family and the appropriateness of utilizing family theory or family therapy principles. If the current state of family relationships is optimal, application of family theory principles than can be applied to guide health promotion on a family level is appropriate. Organizational and dynamic aspects of the family promoting the husband's recovery can be accentuated, supported, and emphasized in the nursing care. However, if the current state of family relationships is pathological, application of family therapy principles is appropriate. Here the goal of the nursing care is restoration of functional organizational patterns and interactive processes between family members.