Applying Family Theory

Applying Family Theory: Teaching, Research, Practice, Life introduces students to a variety of family theories and provides them with considerations for applying family theory across professional and personal contexts. The text equips readers with the knowledge and skills they need to use family theory for the betterment of families. Each chapter focuses on a specific theory and features a fill-in-the-blank-style theory chart that students are encouraged to fill out as they read the content. They are challenged to summarize and record each theory's basic premise, key figures, epistemology, assumptions, concepts, level of analysis, and relevant studies. The book addresses family systems theory, family development theory, bioecological theory, conflict theory, social exchange theory, structural functionalism theory, relational developmental systems theory, feminist theory, family life course, family stress theory, symbolic interactionism, attachment theory, and other family theory concepts. At the end of each chapter, students are provided with a list of things to think about when applying the theory to a certain situation, as well as some general discussion questions about applying the theory. Designed to provide students with cutting-edge theory to guide family interactions, Applying Family Theory is an ideal textbook for courses and programs in family studies.