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Changes in U.S. families and reflect on the evolution of the American family as portrayed in television

Purpose

This assignment provides you with the opportunity to explore some of the changes in U.S. families and reflect on the evolution of the American family as portrayed in television.

This assignment is aligned with the module learning objectives #2, 3, 4, and 6. 

Background

In the United States over 95 percent of people believe the combination of husband, wife, and children constitutes a family. This two-parent family structure is known as a traditional nuclear family, referring to heterosexual married parents and children as the nucleus, or core, of the group. However, the “typical” American family has changed radically over the last 60 years. Today, only about 64 percent of children live in homes with two parents who are married, representing an all-time low (Pew Research Center).  American’s today are marrying later than ever before, divorcing sooner, cohabitating or choosing to remain single.  Whereas married couples dominated the family structure in years past, only 30 percent of millennials feel that a successful marriage is an important part of life or defines a family.

U.S. families are changing in response to factors such as: higher rates of cohabitation, growing acceptance of divorce, a fast-growing blended family structure, same-sex nuclear families, single parent households and more career options for women, and the growing cost of housing and childcare.

Television is a powerful medium that has continually reinvented images of the American family over the past sixty years. Arguably, television has created an idealized image of the American family and not always portrayed a realistic depiction of what the typical family structure looks like. As you learned in Module 3, Media is a powerful agent of socialization that often dictates what we ‘think we should be doing.’ However, as times have changed, so have the images of family on television. This assignment will explore some of those changes and ask you to reflect on the evolution of the American family as portrayed in television.

*You will find a link to the document of shows to choose from here Family in TV Land –Show Options and at the end of the paper description.

Overview

For this assignment you will write a 2–3-page paper that explores the portrayals of family on TV. The paper will be based on information that you collect from watching shows that portray a traditional family and a nontraditional family (selected from the Family in TV Land –Show Options ). As you are watching the shows you should take notes in order to perform a content analysis. You will then synthesize your observations and the content analyses of the family portrayals on TV into the 2–3-page paper. The paper should include the following:

  1. A definition for a traditional family and a nontraditional family
  2. A brief description of each show
  3. A description of how each show portrays a family
  4. The content analyses
  5. A Sociological Analysis

Directions

The assignment begins with “Father Knows Best” (1954-1963). The website for the show “Father Knows Best”.Links to an external site. gives a lot of information about the show, its characters, and content. I want you to read one of the magazine articles on this website from TV Guide that was published during the time the show was syndicated. This information will provide a foundation and context for your paper. You should take notes on what you learned about the show including audience reception, characters, and the content of the show. 

Next, you will watch a full-length episode of three (3) shows: “Father Knows Best”, a traditional show and a nontraditional show. You will then begin a content analysis of the three (3) shows.

Content Analysis

  1. Watch a full-length episode of “Father Knows Best” (these can be found on the “Father Knows Best” websiteLinks to an external site. or on YouTubeLinks to an external site.. ( https://fatherknowsbest.us ) 
  2. Choose a show from the Traditional family list and watch at least one full episode
  3. Choose a show from the Nontraditional family list and watch at least one full episode

In the episode(s) you will be looking for: 

  • Gender roles and family structure (mother, father, children)
  • Roles and expectations of family members
  • Parents as figures of authority
  • Children (chores, manners, obedience to authority)
  • What norms, values or beliefs are assumed in the shows? How are they presented?
  • Communication styles
  • Content of the show (what message was the show trying to send to the audience?)
  • How is the content reflective of the average American family at the time? (or not)
  • Take note of:
    • race
    • occupations
    • class
    • sexual orientation
    • identity

Sociological Analysis

  1. The heart of the essay is the sociological analysis.
  2. Choose at least one theoretical view (functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) through which to analyze your chosen family shows.
  3. Reflect on how well your show selections support a theoretical view of family.  Use your identified families as support for or an argument against the theoretical view of family in society. Address the following questions:

Family in TV Land :

Traditional: The George Lopez show

Non traditional: Modern Family 

Submission

Submit your paper as an attachment by clicking the Start Assignment button above.

Please note the following: 

The assignment will be submitted via Turnitin to check for plagiarism. Please find the plagiarism policy in the Course Syllabus. All submitted student work will be added as source documents in Turnitin reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such assignments in the future. 

The concept of the American family has evolved significantly over the decades, shaped by changes in social, cultural, and economic dynamics. Television has reflected and, in some cases, influenced this evolution, serving as a lens through which societal norms and values about family life are viewed.

Key Changes in U.S. Families

  1. Diverse Family Structures:
    • Traditional nuclear families (two married parents with children) are no longer the dominant norm.
    • Single-parent families, blended families, child-free couples, and multigenerational households have become increasingly common.
    • Same-sex couples and adoptive families have gained visibility and legal recognition.
  2. Roles and Gender Norms:
    • Women have entered the workforce in greater numbers, shifting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Individuals and Families

Read Chapter: Populations Health Care (9th edition) of Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination

Using Microsoft Word Document complete the following assignment:

Specifics: 12 font; double space;  minimum of one and one half pages, and a Reference page

Cultural Awareness includes learning about the cultures of clients with whom you may be working

Provide a full description and health risks for three (3) of the following cultures  (page 45) 

V. Minority Groups

VI. LGBTQIA Community

VII. Homeless

VIII. Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Individuals and Families

IX. Uninsured and Underinsured Individuals

X. Intellectually Disabled Individuals

XI. Battered Individuals and Victims of Abuse or Neglect

XII. Single Parents

XIII. Foster Children

XIV. Individulas with Mental Health Problems

XV. Older Adults

XVI. Military Veterans

XVII. Prisoners

XVIII. Immagrants and Refugees

XIX. Individulas with Chronic Illness

 (site your reference, do not copy and paste)

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An evaluation of the policy or program’s impact on families at risk, including any unintended consequences or benefits

Critical Analysis of Government Policy or Program
Choose a government response (State or Federal) that is aimed at supporting families at risk, such as a policy or program, and address the
following in your report:
!. An overview of the policy or program including its goals and objectives, target population, and implementation strategies.
“. A critical analysis of the effectiveness of the policy or program including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT
analysis).

.

$. Recommendations for how the policy or program could be improved to better support families at risk
Your responses should incorporate reference to current literature and relevant theory (minimum five academic references) and
adhere to APA7 referencing style

Assessment 2 Rubric
Criteria Performance Standards
Fail
0-49
Pass
50-64
Credit
65-74
Distinction
75-84
High Distinction
85-100
An overview of the policy
or program including its
goals and objectives,
target population, and
implementation
strategies.
20%
The overview of the
policy/program is
absent or unclear,
and/or irrelevant to the
question.
The overview of the
policy/program is basic
or limited in scope;
lacks clarity, detail or
coherence, and/or the
information provided is
incomplete or contains
errors/inconsistencies.
Minimal integration of
literature.
The overview of the
policy/program is well-
structured, clear and
concise, and provides
a good understanding
of the goals,
objectives, target
population, and
implementation
strategies. Well-
supported by literature.
The overview of the
policy/program is
highly detailed,
comprehensive and
well-structured,
demonstrating a deep
understanding of the
goals, objectives,
target population, and
implementation
strategies. Strong
integration of literature
demonstrating
evidence of critical
analysis and
synthesis.
The overview of the
policy/program is
exceptional,
demonstrating
outstanding insight
and analysis of the
goals, objectives,
target population, and
implementation
strategies. The
overview is rigorous
and thoughtful and
demonstrates
sophisticated
integration of literature.
A critical analysis of the
effectiveness of the policy
or program including its
Limited or no
identification of the
policy/ program’s
strengths,
weaknesses,
Identification of some
of the policy/program’s
strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities, and
Identification of most
of the policy/
program’s strengths,
weaknesses,
opportunities, and
Comprehensive
identification of the
policy/program’s
strengths,
weaknesses,
A comprehensive and
insightful identification
of the policy/
program’s strengths,
weaknesses,
23/7/23, 1:19 pmSubject guide
Page 2 of 3https://courses.highered.tafensw.edu.au/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=746605&chapterid=53099
strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats
(SWOT analysis).
20%
opportunities, and
threats; limited or no
discussion of the
effectiveness of the
policy or program;
limited or no use of
relevant literature to
support the analysis.
threats; some
discussion of the
effectiveness of the
policy or program; use
of some relevant
literature to support
the analysis
threats; a critical
analysis of the
effectiveness of the
policy or program, with
a well-supported
argument; use of
relevant literature to
support the analysis.
opportunities, and
threats; a well-
developed critical
analysis of the
effectiveness of the
policy or program, with
a convincing argument
supported by relevant
literature.
opportunities, and
threats, with an
original perspective; a
well-developed and
sophisticated critical
analysis of the
effectiveness of the
policy or program, with
a compelling argument
supported by a
breadth of relevant
literature.
An evaluation of the policy
or program’s impact on
families at risk, including
any unintended
consequences or benefits
20%
No evaluation of the
policy/program’s
impact on families at
risk; evaluation lacks
critical analysis and is
not supported by
evidence
Basic evaluation of the
policy/program’s
impact on families at
risk, but lacks critical
analysis; minimal
integration of literature
Clear evaluation of the
policy/program’s
impact on families at
risk with some critical
analysis.
evidence provided to
support the analysis
with appropriate
integration of literature
Detailed and thorough
evaluation of the
policy/program’s
impact on families at
risk with critical
analysis; strong
evidence provided to
support the analysis,
including strong
integration of literature
Exceptional evaluation
of the policy/program’s
impact on families at
risk with
comprehensive and
insightful critical
analysis; robust
evidence provided to
support the analysis,
including sophisticated
integration of literature
Recommendations for how
the policy or program
could be improved to
better support families at
risk
20%
No recommendations
provided or
recommendations are
not relevant to the
policy/program
analysed;
recommendations lack
specificity or are not
feasible.
Recommendations are
provided but lack detail
or specificity.
recommendations are
feasible but do not
address all major
weaknesses identified
in the analysis.
recommendations are
not supported by
evidence or analysis.
Recommendations are
specific, feasible, and
supported by evidence
or analysis.
Recommendations
address most of the
major weaknesses
identified in the
analysis.
Recommendations
consider the needs
and perspectives of
families at risk and
other stakeholders.
Recommendations are
highly specific,
innovative, and
feasible.
Recommendations
address all major
weaknesses identified
in the analysis and
provide a clear
rationale for why they
will be effective.
Recommendations are
supported by a strong
evidence base and
consider the potential
unintended
consequences of
implementation.
Recommendations are
highly specific,
innovative, and
feasible.
Recommendations are
supported by a
comprehensive and
rigorous analysis of
the policy or program
and its impact on
families at risk.
Recommendations are
likely to result in
significant
improvements in the
policy or program and
its outcomes for
families at risk.
Fluent academic writing
with correct spelling,
grammar and punctuation
10%
Numerous errors in
spelling, grammar, and
punctuation that
impede
comprehension;
Basic proficiency in
spelling, grammar, and
punctuation; some
errors in sentence
structure and clarity,
but meaning is
generally clear;
Good proficiency in
spelling, grammar, and
punctuation with few
errors; clear and
concise sentence
structure that is easy
to follow; demonstrates
Very good proficiency
in spelling, grammar,
and punctuation with
no errors;
Exceptional proficiency
in spelling, grammar,
and punctuation with
no errors; outstanding
sentence structure
23/7/23, 1:19 pmSubject guide
Page 3 of 3https://courses.highered.tafensw.edu.au/mod/book/tool/print/index.php?id=746605&chapterid=53099
poor sentence
structure and lack of
clarity in expression;
use of inappropriate
language and tone for
academic writing
appropriate language
and tone for academic
writing
an understanding of
academic writing
conventions and tone
excellent sentence
structure and clarity
that is engaging and
easy to follow;
demonstrates a strong
understanding of
academic writing
conventions and tone
and clarity that is
engaging and
compelling;
demonstrates a deep
understanding of
academic writing
conventions and tone,
and applies this
knowledge to create a
highly effective piece
of writing
Use of current literature
and relevant theory
(minimum five academic
references) referenced in
accordance with the APA
referencing style
10%
No references provided
or references are not
relevant to the topic;
absence of, or
incorrect use of, APA
referencing style
References provided
but are not all current
or not all relevant to
the topic.
APA referencing style
used with minor errors
or inconsistencies
At least five current
and relevant
references provided
and integrated well into
the essay.
APA referencing style
used accurately and
consistently
More than five current
and relevant
references provided
and used effectively to
support arguments
throughout the essay.
APA referencing style
used expertly and
consistently
More than five current
and highly relevant
references provided
and used expertly to
support arguments
and insights
throughout the essay.
APA referencing style
used impeccably and
consistently,
demonstrating expert-
level skill and
knowledge

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Theoretical perspectives and theories underpinning working with families at risk

“Compare and contrast theoretical perspectives and theories underpinning working with families at risk.

Choose two theoretical perspectives or theories that underpin working with families at risk from those covered in this subject: i.e. functionalist perspective; conflict perspective; feminist perspectives; symbolic interactionism; individualisation perspective; family life cycle/developmental perspective; family ecological model; attachment theory; social learning theory; or family systems perspective.

Compare and contrast your two chosen theoretical perspectives addressing the following elements:

  • ▪  Brief overview of each theoretical perspective
  • ▪  Key concepts of each perspective
  • ▪  The application of each perspective to working with families at risk
  • ▪  The limitations of each perspective
  • ▪  Conclusion and implications for practiceYour responses should incorporate reference to current literature and relevant theory (minimum five academic references) and adhere to APA7 referencing style.”
    Please confirm which of the theories that you will be working on so that I may print that part out from our textbook. I attached assessment 2 as well for you to look at later but please focus on assessment 1 as it’s due in just two weeks. I also attached some materials I think that might help.Thanks in advance and please advise.

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SACR-2040. Sociology of Families

Sociological perspectives on cross-cultural variations and changes in family forms. Topics may include discussion of marriage, kinship, family structure and organization of intimate relationships. (Prerequisites: third semester standing.)

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Choose an issue that affects families and children. Analyse how the issue affects diverse children and families? How is it relevant now?

 Assessment 

Assessment TypeReport of Family Issue
Weighting
50%
Aligned Learning outcomes
a.
b. Explore critical, strength-based and anti-oppressive theory to practice with individuals and families.
Locate individual and family issues within social, cultural and political conditions
c. Critically explore the values, assumptions and challenges in working with families that present with complex/ multiple issues in the community, and range of social work responses.
d. Demonstrate a critical understanding of ethical challenges relating to culture, gender, age and power and strategies to work in an antioppressive, strengths-based manner.
e. Apply practice skills, assessment skills, resource & networking skills to working with individuals and families.
f.
Consider the challenge of working critically within the current sociopolitical culture of managerialism and neo-liberalism.
Length
2000 words
*Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)/Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time (AEDT). Check your time zone to ensure that you submit your assessment on time. If required, use a time zone converter.
Assessment 2 Details and Instructions
In class, we will spend time reviewing media reports on issues affecting families and children. Choose one of these issues or another contemporary issue in the Australian media to write a report on:
A. The Issue
• Choose an issue that affects families and children. Analyse how the issue affects diverse children and families? How is it relevant now?
• Outline current debates about the issue, using research and current Australian media material.
• Refer to legislation relating to the issue (identify Acts, dates and websites)
• Identify and critique government and opposition policy positions, identifying relevant federal, state or local government policies
• Identify and explain how the work of relevant peak bodies, forums, foundations, research institutes, publications or websites relate to the issue.
• Describe an agency in Melbourne that responds to families affected by this issue. Identify the sector in which the agency is located eg government, non-government, trust, other.
• Outline social workers’ roles, ethical considerations and practices in response to the issue.
• Analyse managerialist and neoliberal constraints and how the agency can address the issue
• Describe an example of a child, young person or family who would go to this agency. What would they hope to achieve.
• Analyse the model of practice that the agency might use in working with this family, child or youth • Draw some conclusions about the policy and practice relating to this issue
• Make some suggestions for future developments in policy and practice.
B. Policy Responses
• Identify and critique government and opposition policy positions, identifying relevant federal, state or local government policies
• Identify and explain how the work of relevant peak bodies, forums, foundations, research institutes, publications or websites relate to the issue.
C. Practice Responses – Agency
• Describe an agency in Melbourne or Sydney that responds to families affected by this issue. Identify the sector in which the agency is located eg government, non-government, trust, other.
• Outline social workers’ roles, ethical considerations and practices in response to the issue.
• Analyse managerialist and neoliberal constraints and how the agency can address the issue
• Describe an example of a child, young person or family who would go to this agency. What would they hope to achieve.
• Analyse the model of practice that the agency might use in working with this family, child or youth

D. Conclusions and Critique
• Draw some conclusions about the policy and practice relating to this issue
• Make some suggestions for future developments in policy and practice.
Assessment Criteria
1. Demonstrated research into the issue, and relevant debates and legislation
2. Insight into the impact of the issue on diverse families and children
3. Critique of government, non-government organisations’ responses to the issue
4. Analysis of limitations and impact of agency and social workers, with example
5. Demonstrated understanding of issue and suggestions for future policy and practice developments.
6. Academic literacy
Submission Instructions: Students should submit their assessment online.
Marking Criteria – Assessment 2 Report on Family Issue
1. Demonstrated research into the issue, and relevant debates and legislation
2. Insight into the impact of the issue on diverse families and children
3. Critique of government, non-government organisations’ responses to the issue
4. Academic integrity: Clear written communication skills, accurate referencing and reference to 10 set readings –
journal article or book chapters
5.Demonstrated understanding of issue and suggestions for future policy and practice developments.
6. Academic integrity: Clear written communication skills, accurate APA referencing of 10 set readings – journal article
or book chapters
Total Mark: /50
Comments:

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concept of the ‘nuclear family’ and ‘real’ Australian families

Assignments: Major Essay
Weight: Word Count:
Due Date:
45%
1500 words
Includes in-text references & reference list (see p. 12)
Late penalties will nc applied (see p. 13)
Questions
Choose one (I) of the following:

  1. Compare and contrast the concept of the ‘nuclear family’ and ‘real’ Australian families.
  2. Critically assess the ’digital divide*.
  3. Van Krickcn states there arc six complexities applying the terms race and ethnicity. Discuss
  4. Compare and contrast Marx’s theories of ‘religion’ with those of either Weber or Durkheim.
  5. Critically assess the phrase ‘the social construction of gender’.
  6. Critically assess the four roles of the term ‘queer’ (as outlined in the lecture).
    References
    Minimum of 6 Academic References including:

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Nurses, Patients, and Families: Caring at the Intersection of Health, Illness, and Culture

 W4P

InstructionsPersonal Philosophy of Nursing

In a Microsoft Word document of 5-6 pages formatted in APA 7th edition style, describe your personal approach to professional nursing practice. Be sure to address each one of the following criteria:

  • Which philosophy/conceptual framework/theory/middle-range theory describes nursing in the way you think about it?
    • Discuss how you could utilize the philosophy/conceptual framework/theory/middle-range theory to organize your thoughts for critical thinking and decision making in nursing practice.
  • Formulate and discuss your personal definition of nursing, person, health, and environment.
  • Discuss a minimum of two beliefs and/or values about nursing that guide your own practice.
  • Analyze your communication style using one of the tools presented in the course.
    • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with your style of communication.
    • Impact of your communication style on your ability to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team.

APA 7th edition include : separate introduction page, separate conclusion and reference page. These pages are NOT included in the writing requirements !!!!

Book for citing / referencing :  Black, B. P. (2020). Professional nursing: Concepts & challenges (9th ed.). Saunders. ISBN: 9780323551137.

Reading: 

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Families play a significant role on the growth and development of its individual members.

Family Health Assessment

Families play a significant role on the growth and development of its individual members. Both the positive and negative influences within the family shape an individual’s personality as well. Furthermore, family relations exert a unique influence on social and cognitive development (Favez 2017). In combination, family is literally everything and every family is unique. There is a strong correlation between the mental state of the mother, her parenting behaviors, and the development of the child. Fathers are not to be forgotten because their role of protector and provider introduces an additional framework of responsibility within families. Finally, the way in which these pieces all come together show the functioning of the family. This paper will show the unique characteristics of one family using a complete family health assessment.

Family Structure

For this project, I chose to interview and assess a close family friend of my niece. For confidentiality purposes, the names of this family will not be used and will be replaced with initials. RS and ES are a married couple of in their early thirties. The two were high school sweethearts and just recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. RS works as a manager for a medium sized logistics company and ES is a records specialist for a major oil and gas company. Both RS and ES make more than 50k a year but neither of them has a college degree. ES and RS have two daughters, LS age sixteen, and IS age ten. The family lives in an upper middle-class neighborhood and no extended family lives with them.

ES and RS are of Hispanic ethnicities. RS is a Mexican-American male and ES is a Dominican female. ES obtained her American citizenship a few years ago although she immigrated to the US when she was five years of age. LS and IS are natural born children of both parents so they are of mixed heritage. Although neither of them attended college, both have well-paying jobs with great benefits. The couple also purchased a two-story home in an upper middle-class neighborhood and can regularly fund a savings account and retirement funds.

Current Health Status

RS and ES have a very loving relationship as they both expressed the need to give their children the well-balanced life that neither of them experienced. Both RS and ES are the heads of the family and they equally share power. Both contribute financially to the home and both discipline the children. RS and ES create rules and guidelines for their children together and they work through any disagreements by communicating with each other. LS is the big sister and she helps to look after IS at times, but the girls are rarely left home alone. The family also takes their health seriously as everyone is covered by health insurance, they all attend annual checkups and any other sick visits that are necessary.

Health Patterns

ES and her family function quite well and there are two major functional health pattern strengths in their family system. Gordon’s Function Health Patterns is a useful tool that nurses can use to assess a family’s function with the goal of determining their strengths and barriers to great health (Karaca, 2016). The first strength is their roles and relationship patterns. All members of the family have meaningful relationships with one another and with persons outside of their household. The second strength is their coping and stress release patterns. This family copes well with stress by talking about their problems and encouraging each other. Furthermore, if there is an issue that seems to be creating a significant problem, the family would willing seek counseling for the entire unit or the individual member. I did notice some areas of improvement in relation to activity, nutrition, and sleep patterns. They do not engage in a lot of physical activity, putting them at risk for future problems. Additionally, ES and her family appear to eat out more than they prepare meals at home. Lastly, the oldest daughter and dad tend to take way more naps than is normal. Dad works long hours, but their daughter does not, and has no physical reason for sleeping such long hours during the day.

Family Systems Theory

With some minor changes, the family systems theory can help ES and her family improve their family functioning. The family systems model focuses on making behavioral changes through interactions with different family members (Johnson and Ray, 2016). The family needs to be more active and they can take walks around their beautiful neighborhood or sign the girls up for a sport. ES and RS also need to find chores and other activities for their eldest daughter to engage in to prevent her excessive sleeping in the afternoon. As a family, they should spend one day a week planning meals and cook as a family to reduce fast food intake.

Conclusion

ES and RS were an amazing family to assess and they are functioning well above average. It appears that the dysfunctional families they both were raised in played a major role in their decision to make things different for their children. The family communicates well, adapts well, share power and roles, and they show great concern for their health. It was refreshing to witness and family that functions well as I have often seen plenty of dysfunctional families in my nursing care.

References

Favez, N., Frascarolo, F., & Tissot, H. (2017). The Family Alliance Model: A Way to Study and Characterize Early Family Interactions. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.3389. Johnson, B. E., & Ray, W. A. (2016). Family systems theory. Encyclopedia of family studies, 1- 5. Karaca, Turkan, Functional Health Patterns Model – A Case Study (2016). Case Studies Journal ISSN (2305-509X) Volume 5, Issue 7, July-2016. Appendix: Questionnaire Tell me about your family’s physiological functioning and this includes health status, nutrition, bowel movements, sleep, activity, and relationships with other people. How does your family feel about sexuality and what are your values? What are your thoughts on coping behaviors in your family and self-perceptions as well as cognitive functioning?