Symbolic Interaction Theory is a theory that "views humans primarily as cognitive creatures who are influenced and shaped by their interaction experiences." (Lauer and Lauer chapter page 21). One way I interpret this to mean is: the way that humans interact and behave in the family based on their experiences with one another. I personally grew up in a home where love was often expressed through words, acts of service, compliments, remarks of gratitude, or signs of affection. Because I was influenced so much and interacted with my family and because I knew they loved me, it helped me to have greater love for them. In "Marriage and Family: The Quest for Intimacy" authors Jeanette and Robert Lauer define another concept within symbolic interactionism which is called definition of the situation. "According to this concept, when we define a situation as real, it has real consequences. That is, our interpretation of a situation is as important as anything that is objectively true about that situation.". In accordance with this concept, not only has the culture of love that my family has developed helped me to feel loved, but my belief that their love for me is real has enhanced that However, the opposite of this concept may have just as dire results. Think to yourself 'Have I ever abandoned a relationship because I assumed someone didn't like me?'. If definition of the situation stands true, our negative perception of a relationship, true or not, may result in the ending of it. That is why it is so significant to have open communication and honesty. If there is mutual trust in a relationship, and you can trust that a person is telling you honestly how they feel, and you can safely assume that what is being said is true. When there is a foundation of mutual trust, a relationship grows stronger.
Healthy family relationships can be one of the greatest contributors to happiness good mental health. Nevertheless, when a family is dysfunctional, it could be the cause of major mental health challenges which is why it is so crucial that we study the family unit and how it works. However not every family is the same. Consequently, if there are any dysfunctional behaviors in a particular family unit, it would be helpful to study not necessarily what is causing the conflict but why there is conflict in the first place. In the book "Family Systems Theory" it explains that although it is easy to assign blame when there is conflict, the root of the issue between the people arguing is not who is right or who is wrong, but the problem lies in how they communicate. "…it doesn't matter if the couple is fighting about money or child-rearing- it is the repetitive patter of interaction that is of interest. The focus is on how they interact, regardless of the topic, and what can be done to change that pattern into a more functional one (i.e., one that leads to happiness rather than unhappiness or relationship satisfaction versus dissatisfaction).". Understanding how families communicate will increase their ability to do so effectively, but how can you learn to communicate more effectively? You probably don't have to think about how you talk to your family, you just do! That is why identifying family roles and family rules is useful for more effective communication.
Family rules are useful when evaluating how a family functions. Rules may be obvious and outspoken, such as what movies are permitted in the house or what time curfew is, while other rules may not be verbally established. Family rules also create boundaries between families because one family usually has different rules than another. How have family rules influenced your own homes? Are the rules in your family healthy ones? Rules of high integrity and good moral standards? I'm sure that most families strive for rules like this but if you want your family to grow stronger, recommend you to identifying the rules in your family. After identifying what they are, evaluate if the rules are helpful or hurtful, and then change rules based on the needs of your family. As you do so, you will learn how to communicate more effectively and have a healthier relationship with your family.
Works Cited:
Lauer, Robert H., and Jeanette C. Lauer. “Chapter 1.” Marriage and Family: The Quest for Intimacy, McGraw Hill LLC, New York, 2022.
Smith, Suzanne R, and Raeann R Hamon. “Family Systems Theory.” Exploring Family Theories, Oxford University Press, 2021.
Burgess, Norma J Bond. “Why Social Science? - Because It Shows Us How Families Can Thrive.” Why Social Science? - Because It Shows Us How Families Can Thrive | Social Science Research Institute, 17 May 2022, https://ssri.psu.edu/news/why-social-science-because-it-shows-us-how-families-can-thrive#:~:text=Family%20science%20research%20shows%20us,a%20better%20society%20for%20everyone.
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