Family strengths: an international perspective

Abstract

This chapter will enable you to: 1. Understand the key propositions derived by family strengths researchers around the world over the past four decades and see how these ideas can be used to help strengthen families at times of vulnerability 2. Learn about the major qualities of strong families: appreciation and affection, commitment, positive communication, enjoyable time together, spiritual well-being, and the ability to manage stress and crisis effectively 3. See how family strengths, community strengths and cultural strengths interrelate from a global perspective, and how these resources can be used to support vulnerable families in positive ways 4. Find a realistic answer to parents who ask: 'Is there hope for me and my kids? I did not grow up in a strong family, but a terribly troubled family. Will I be able to parent my children successfully?' 5. Understand how research on family strengths, community strengths and cultural strengths can be applied directly in the lives of individuals and families