Introduction
The portfolio of the family members provides a comprehensive understanding of the family’s history, including their birth, health status, and cause of death. This developmental and functional family assessment (CFAM) aims to analyze the family’s lifespan stage, explore the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on their health and wellness, and identify the relationship between the SDOH and their focused topic of interest. The CFAM will also consider aspects such as culture and dynamics within the family and their impact on health outcomes. This research paper aims to broaden the understanding of the social contexts that influence the health and wellness of families. The portfolio of the family members provides a comprehensive understanding of the family’s history, and this developmental and functional family assessment (CFAM) aims to analyze the influence of social determinants of health (SDOH) on their health and wellness and identify the relationship between the SDOH and their focused topic of interest.
Developmental Assessment
The Stage of Development
The stage of development is an essential aspect of the family assessment as it provides insight into the various developmental tasks that the family members accomplish during different stages of their lives. In this portfolio, most family members fall within the middle-aged adulthood stage, where they are in the prime of their lives and are focused on family and work responsibilities. This stage is characterized by several developmental tasks, including work and career development, forming intimate relationships, and providing care and support to aging parents. Parental management during this stage is an essential factor that influences the health and wellness of the family members (Hoben et al., 2017). During this stage, parents are expected to provide guidance, support, and resources to their children as they transition into adulthood. The portfolio reveals that most of the family members experienced a lack of parental management, which significantly impacted their mental and physical health.
Childhood influences also play a crucial role in the health and wellness of family members. The portfolio reveals that childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, and trauma, harmed the health and well-being of several family members. These experiences often result in mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, which can persist into adulthood. Overall, the stage of development, task accomplishments, parental management, and childhood influences play a crucial role in the health and wellness of families. These factors must be considered in developing family-focused health promotion programs to ensure that families have the necessary resources and support to maintain their health and wellness.
The Task
The developmental Assessment focuses on the middle-aged adulthood stage, a critical stage in the family’s lifespan. This stage is characterized by several developmental tasks the family must accomplish to ensure their health and wellness. One of the primary tasks to be accomplished during this stage is work and career development (Nyeche, 2022). Family members at this stage focus on establishing their careers and finding a sense of purpose in their work. This task is essential for their overall well-being, providing them with financial stability and a sense of accomplishment.
Another significant task to be accomplished during this stage is forming intimate relationships. Family members at this stage focus on building meaningful relationships with their partners, which is essential for their emotional and mental well-being. Providing care and support to aging parents is also a task that must be accomplished during this stage. As family members reach middle age, their parents may require support with daily activities and medical needs. This task requires compassion, patience, and a strong sense of responsibility, which are critical for maintaining the health and wellness of both the parents and family members. Overall, the developmental Assessment focuses on several critical tasks that must be accomplished during the middle-aged adulthood stage. These tasks play a significant role in the health and wellness of the family members and must be addressed effectively to ensure a positive outcome.
How the parents manage each of the tasks
The parental management of the tasks accomplished during the middle-age adulthood stage is an essential aspect of the developmental Assessment. The portfolio provides insight into the various ways in which the parents manage these tasks. Concerning work and career development, the portfolio reveals that the parents provided limited support and guidance to their children as they transitioned into adulthood (Sharifi et al., 2019). The lack of support and guidance resulted in difficulties for the family members in finding a sense of purpose in their work and careers.
In terms of forming intimate relationships, the portfolio reveals that the parents provided limited support and guidance to their children in building meaningful relationships with their partners. This lack of support had a significant impact on the emotional and mental well-being of the family members.
Regarding providing care and support to aging parents, the portfolio reveals that they had limited resources and support, making it challenging for them to provide care and support to their aging parents. This lack of resources and support harmed the parents’ and family members’ health and wellness. Overall, the parental management of the tasks accomplished during the middle-age adulthood stage is limited, significantly impacting the family members’ health and wellness. This highlights the need for families to be equipped with the necessary resources and support to manage these tasks effectively.
Strengths and risk factors
The social determinants of health (SDOH) play a crucial role in the development of families and can have both positive and negative impacts on their health and wellness. In the case of the portfolio, several strengths and risk factors could affect the family development of SDOH. Strengths include a strong cultural background, which provides a sense of identity and community for the family members. The family is also closely knit, which provides a supportive network for its members, promoting their emotional and mental well-being.
However, several risk factors could negatively impact the family’s development. Poverty is one of the most significant risk factors, which limits the family’s access to resources and support, including healthcare, education, and housing. This lack of access to resources can hurt the health and wellness of the family members, particularly those already struggling with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Additionally, the family faces challenges regarding their mental health, with several members struggling with depression and anxiety. This highlights the need for families to access adequate mental health support and services to manage their mental health effectively. In conclusion, the social determinants of health play a critical role in the development of families. While the family has several strengths, they also face several risk factors, including poverty and mental health, that could negatively impact their health and wellness. Addressing these risk factors effectively will play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of the family members.
How Early Childhood development influences family health
Early childhood development plays a crucial role in shaping the health and well-being of individuals and their families. Research has shown that experiences and environments during early childhood can impact physical and mental health and cognitive and emotional development. For example, positive early childhood experiences, such as receiving proper care and support, can promote healthy physical and mental development, leading to better health outcomes in adulthood. On the other hand, negative early childhood experiences, such as poverty, neglect, or abuse, can have a detrimental effect on health and well-being, increasing the risk of chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and decreased life expectancy.
Additionally, early childhood development can also influence family health through its impact on family dynamics and relationships. For example, children with positive early childhood experiences are more likely to develop strong social and emotional bonds with their family members, leading to a more supportive family environment. On the other hand, children who experience negative early childhood experiences may struggle with forming healthy relationships, leading to increased conflict and stress within the family. Overall, early childhood development plays a crucial role in shaping the health and well-being of individuals and their families. Positive early childhood experiences promote healthy physical and mental development, while negative experiences can increase the risk of chronic health conditions and impact family dynamics. Families must provide a supportive and nurturing environment for their children during their early years to promote healthy development and future health outcomes.
Functional Assessment
The significant roles of the leading Family members
The functional family assessment model (CFAM) analyzes family members’ different roles and responsibilities to maintain their daily functioning. In the family mentioned above, each member has a unique role contributing to the family’s overall functioning. Ibrahim, who lived from 1921 to 1977, played the role of the patriarch. He was responsible for providing financial support and making decisions for the family. This role is critical in ensuring the family’s financial stability and ensuring that the family has access to adequate resources. Khadija, who lived from 1925 to 1992, was the family’s matriarch. She was crucial in managing the household and caring for the children. The role of the matriarch is essential in ensuring that the household runs smoothly and that the children are taken care of.
Ali, who lived from 1919 to 1995, was the mediator of the family. He played a vital role in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony within the family. This role is crucial in preventing tensions and conflicts from escalating and in maintaining a positive and harmonious family environment. Kaltham, who is still alive, plays the role of the caregiver. She provides physical and emotional support to her family members, especially her aging parents. This role is critical in ensuring that the family’s elderly members receive the care and support they need. Mohamed, who lived from 1942 to 2010, played the provider role. He was responsible for ensuring that the family had access to adequate resources and financial stability. This role is essential in ensuring that the family’s needs are met, and that they have a secure financial future. Abdulkarim lived from 1944 to 2013 and was the family’s mentor. He provided guidance and support to his siblings and children. This role is crucial in guiding and supporting the younger family members and shaping their future.
Asra, who lived from 1948 to 2008, played the role of the nurturer. She provided emotional support and cared for the children. This role is critical in ensuring the children receive the love and care they need to thrive. Souad, who is still alive, plays the role of the advocate. She is responsible for advocating for her family’s health and well-being, especially those with mental health conditions. This role is crucial in ensuring that the family’s health needs are met and receives the support they need. Noora, who was born in 1968, plays the role of the supporter. She provides emotional and practical support to her parents and siblings. This role is critical in ensuring that the family has a supportive network and that its members can rely on one another. Anisa, born in 1992, is the next generation of the family. She is responsible for maintaining the family’s cultural heritage and values and ensuring the family’s future. This role is crucial in ensuring that the family’s traditions and values are passed down to the next generation. Overall, the functional family assessment model highlights family members’ various roles and responsibilities to maintain their daily functioning. Understanding these roles and responsibilities helps identify areas where the family may need support and promote health and well-being.
Communication patterns
The communication patterns within the family are also a crucial aspect of the functional Assessment. Effective communication is vital for the smooth functioning of any family, and it can significantly impact its members’ overall health and wellness. The family in question has had various experiences with communication, with some members exhibiting strong communication skills while others struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings. One of the key observations is that the older members of the family, such as Ali and Kaltham, tend to be more reserved and may not express their thoughts and feelings as openly as their younger counterparts. On the other hand, younger members like Anisa and Abdullah are more open and expressive, willing to engage in discussions and share their opinions.
Additionally, some family members may struggle with communication due to language barriers or cultural differences. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts within the family, impacting their overall health and well-being. The family’s communication patterns can also be influenced by past experiences and traumas, such as losing loved ones and their cultural background and beliefs. For example, some family members may have experienced trauma due to war and conflict, which can impact their communication patterns and ability to express themselves. In conclusion, the communication patterns within the family play a crucial role in shaping the family’s overall health and well-being. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into the family’s strengths and areas for improvement, which can be addressed through appropriate support and intervention.
Family decision-making/discipline patterns
The decision-making and discipline patterns within the family are essential aspects of the functional Assessment, as they reflect the family’s values and beliefs and their unity and cohesiveness. The decision-making patterns within the family can vary based on several factors, including the family’s cultural background, the age and gender of its members, and the family’s history of decision-making. In this particular family, the older members, such as Ali and Kaltham, hold more decision-making power. In comparison, younger members like Anisa and Abdullah may need more input in family decisions. This is common in many traditional families, where decision-making is often centralized in the hands of the older, more experienced members.
The family’s discipline patterns also play a crucial role in shaping the family’s overall functioning. The family’s approach to discipline can vary based on cultural beliefs, family history, and individual preferences (Trost, 2019). In some families, discipline may be stricter and authoritarian, while in others, it may be more relaxed and lenient. In this family, discipline focuses on instilling values and encouraging good behavior rather than punishing misbehavior. However, individual family members may have different approaches to discipline based on their experiences and beliefs. In conclusion, the decision-making and discipline patterns within the family are essential indicators of the family’s overall functioning and health. Understanding these patterns can provide valuable insights into the family’s strengths and areas for improvement, which can be addressed through appropriate support and intervention.
Summary of the strengths and risk factors you note from the functional Assessment
Based on the functional Assessment of this family, several strengths and risk factors can be identified.
Strengths:
One of the key strengths of this family is the strong sense of community and support between family members. This is demonstrated by the family’s close relationships, shared experiences, and commitment to helping one another. Additionally, the family has a tangible cultural heritage, which provides a sense of identity and a shared history that contributes to their overall well-being.
Another strength of this family is the emphasis on health and wellness. Many family members have made lifestyle changes to address health risks, such as managing diabetes and hypertension. This shows a solid commitment to maintaining good health, which will benefit the family long-term.
Risks:
One of the significant risk factors for this family is a lack of access to quality healthcare. Some family members have experienced health problems, such as heart failure and pneumonia, and may not have had access to the medical care they needed. This could have long-term effects on their health and well-being and could also hurt the family as a whole.
Another risk factor for this family is a lack of resources and support for mental health. Some family members have experienced mental health issues, such as asthma and depression, and may not have had the support they needed to manage their symptoms (Killam et al., 2021). This could lead to long-term problems and negatively impact the overall health and well-being of the family.
While this family has many strengths, including a strong sense of community and a commitment to health and wellness, they also face several risks, such as a lack of access to healthcare and support for mental health. Addressing these risks and providing appropriate support and resources will help ensure the family’s long-term well-being.
Reflection on Learning
What did you learn about your family?
In completing this assignment, I learned about the family I assessed through the lens of a functional and developmental family assessment. I discovered that this family values close relationships and a strong sense of community, as demonstrated by the close relationships between family members and their commitment to helping one another. Additionally, I learned that the family strongly emphasizes health and wellness, with many family members taking steps to address health risks and maintain good health.
What did you learn about yourself?
This assignment taught me about my attitudes, values, and beliefs related to families. Specifically, I realized the importance of considering a family’s cultural heritage and traditions when providing care, as well as the role that community and support play in promoting health and well-being. Additionally, I became more aware of my own biases and how they may influence my nursing practice, and I made a conscious effort to be more culturally responsive and respectful in my approach.
What did you learn about using the CFAM to guide your nursing practice?
I learned that the Comprehensive Family Assessment Model (CFAM) provides a structured framework for evaluating the health and well-being of a family. This framework considers multiple factors that can impact a family’s health and wellness, such as cultural heritage, relationships, decision-making patterns, and access to healthcare. By using the CFAM, I can provide family-centered care that considers each family’s unique needs and perspectives. In doing so, I can better understand the social contexts that may impact a family’s health outcomes and develop a more comprehensive and effective care plan.
Overall, this assignment has deepened my understanding of families and the importance of a holistic and family-centered approach to care. By using the CFAM, I can better understand the factors that impact a family’s health and provide culturally responsive care tailored to each family’s needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Functional Assessment of the family members of Ibrahim, Khadija, Ali, Kaltham, Mohamed, Abdalkrim, Asra, Souad, Noora, Anisa, Ahmed, Mariam, Amal, Faihad, Houd, Naser, Fatma, Abdullah, Salman, and Maha was conducted to understand the family’s significant roles, communication patterns, decision-making/discipline patterns, strengths, and risks. The family values unity, strong relationships, and emotional support, which are essential for their health and well-being. On the other hand, the family faces challenges such as health issues, cultural beliefs, and personal biases, which can impact the relationships and health of the family members. To promote family health and relationships, the following interventions are recommended: Encouraging regular health check-ups and preventive care to manage and prevent health problems Implementing healthy lifestyle changes such as eating nutritious food and engaging in physical activities Encouraging open and non-judgmental communication to foster solid relationships and emotional support Promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding to reduce conflicts and misunderstandings within the family Encouraging family members to seek professional help and support when needed, such as therapy or counseling. In conclusion, the functional Assessment of this family has helped to understand the dynamics and relationships within the family. Nursing interventions can be tailored to promote family health and improve relationships by considering the strengths and risks. It has also been a valuable learning experience for the author to understand the importance of considering cultural and familial dynamics in nursing practice.
References
Hoben, M., Norton, P. G., Ginsburg, L. R., Anderson, R. A., Cummings, G. G., Lanham, H. J., … & Estabrooks, C. A. (2017). Improving nursing home care through feedback on PerfoRMance data (INFORM): protocol for a cluster-randomized trial. Trials, 18, 1-14.
Nyeche, M. N. (2022). Motivational Interviewing to Promote Readiness for Change Among Adult Patients with Comorbid Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder (Doctoral dissertation, University of Massachusetts Global).
Sharifi, N., Adib-Hajbaghery, M., & Najafi, M. (2019). Cultural competence in nursing: A concept analysis. International journal of nursing studies, 99, 103386.
Killam, L. A., & Luctkar-Flude, M. (2021). Virtual simulations to replace clinical hours in a family assessment course: development using H5P, gamification, and student co-creation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 57, 59-65.
Trost, J. (2019). 25. The family life cycle. A problematic concept. In The family life cycle in European societies (pp. 467-482). De Gruyter Mouton.
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