Normal Family Processes

by Froma Walsh (Editor)

Over the past decade, social changes have redefined the boundaries of "normal family life," calling for a re-examination of assumptions, both explicit and implicit, embedded in our cultural and clinical beliefs. Offering groundbreaking perspectives from leading clinical educators and researchers, this second edition of a classic work addresses the vast diversity of family forms, life challenges, and value systems in our rapidly changing society. The first edition of Normal Family Processes is recognized as a milestone in the clinical literature. Completely updated and expanded, this volume continues its pioneering work, covering the most current concepts of family functioning and frameworks for assessment and treatment. The book opens with a comprehensive overview of recent conceptual advances regarding normal family functioning. Bridging clinical and social science perspectives, Dr. Walsh places the consideration of normality into a sociohistorical perspective, reminding us that families in our society have always been diverse, and that our idealized model of the "normal family" may have blinded us to the potential for healthy functioning in a variety of family arrangements. Several leading family systems investigators then present state-of-the-art research models that delineate attributes of well-functioning families, discuss the efficacy of numerous clinical assessment instruments, and propose questions and suggestions for guiding intervention and future research. Addressing the diversity of contemporary family functioning patterns, the following two parts focus family structure, sociocultural context, and developmental context. Chapters cover the challenges faced by dual-earner, single-parent, and gay and lesbian families, as well as normative procedures in divorced, remarried, and adoptive families, and lesbian couples and their families. A broad, cross-cultural perspective on family normality is presented, with consideration given to ethnic differences, t

Genres: Counselling, Psychology, Nonfiction, Grad School, School, Textbooks, Academic

486 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 1982

Reviews

[Chandel]

Some. Hapters were better than others but overall i found this text to represent only the experince of cisgendered, hetero people whoch is unfortunate given there are so many experinces beyond that binary.

[Annette]

Some of the information is outdated now, so I'd like to read a more updated version. Overall, though, so informative about family systems!

[Dena McGoldrick Butler]

required reading for graduate program

Liked the format, lots of good information

[Nicola Forbes]

I used this book to teach family psychology and although it’s old, it’s pretty thorough and got the job done.

[Melanie Rabalais]

the title is deceiving
Unless the topic of counseling and family systems interests you, you would probably find reading this a waste of time. So, yeah, I liked it alright because I find family systems interesting

[Sab]

This book was an intense read. Although very informative, I found it difficult to stay interested in this book. There were many stats that were conflicting but overall i pretty easy read. Unless you plan on getting a degree in family studies I would not recommend this book. It is more of a text.

[Julia]

A fantastic social work textbook. I utilize it in the family social work MSW class I teach.

[Alisa]

Full of good information, particularly Ch 20, but I'm happy I'm finished.