Table 1.
Family Dynamic | Description |
---|---|
Overprotection |
Belief that restricting patient from activity is needed for improvement in symptoms. |
Misguided support |
Parental behaviors that either lower expectations or apply excessive pressure for rapid change and improvement in function. |
Dysfunctional Communication Patterns |
Poor conflict resolution, difficulty communicating affect and avoidance of discussing emotionally charged issues. |
Externalized Attributions |
Patient and family attribute both illness and recovery solely to factors outside themselves and often beyond their control. |
Dependence |
Loss of self-confidence due to family members increasingly taking over patient responsibilities and providing assistance that may not necessarily be needed. |
Social Isolation and Avoidance | Patient becomes anxious and avoidant of normal peer situations. |