Preface: From the Head and From the Heart
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
PART I: THE DYNAMIC FAMILY SYSTEM
 
Chapter 1. Family Dynamics: Setting Families in Motion
                              Setting Families in Motion
 
 
                              Lifespan Development and Family Dynamics
 
 
                              Why Study Family Dynamics?
 
 
 
Chapter 2. Dimensions That Influence Dynamics
                              Tasks, Structure, and Context
 
 
                              The Influences on Dynamics
 
 
                              The Choreography of the Family Dance
 
 
                              Patterns of Family Interaction
 
 
 
Chapter 3. Dynamic Family Commitments
                              Launching and Landing: The Dynamic Tasks of the Family
 
 
                              Shaping the Dynamics of the System
 
 
 
Chapter 4. Observing Family Dynamics
                              Cultural Constructions of the Family
 
 
 
Chapter 5. Explaining Dynamics With Theories
                              Theories: Seeking Connection and Meaning
 
 
                              Birth of the Family Therapy Movement
 
 
                              Major Theoretical Paradigm Shifts
 
 
                              The Context of Systemic Thinking
 
 
 
PART II: THE DYNAMIC LANGUAGE OF THE FAMILY
 
Chapter 6. Communication and Family Relationships
                              Reaching Out and Connecting
 
 
                              Power and Patterns of Decision Making
 
 
                              Communication in Multicultural Contexts
 
 
                              Cultural Echoes: Nuances in Communication
 
 
 
Chapter 7. Communication and Control
                              The Power of Disinformation
 
 
                              Professional and Work-Related Communication
 
 
 
Chapter 8. Changing Communication Patterns
                              Families in a Digital World
 
 
                              The Dynamics of a Digital World
 
 
                              Family Rituals in a Digital World
 
 
                              Family Communication Networks
 
 
 
Chapter 9. Communication and Resilience
                              The Pillars of Resilience
 
 
                              Resilience and Self-Regulation
 
 
                              Resilience on Various Systemic Levels
 
 
 
Chapter 10. Communication and Life’s Journey
                              Families: Constant yet Ever Changing
 
 
                              Dynamics of Partner Selection
 
 
                              Transitions and Turning Points
 
 
                              Lifespan-Related Theories
 
 
 
PART III: DYNAMICS IN DIVERSE CONTEXTS
 
Chapter 11. Dynamics of Loss
                              Interventions: Constructivist Psychotherapy
 
 
                              Loss in Limbo: Ambiguous Loss
 
 
 
Chapter 12. Dynamics of Power and Excess
                              The Dynamics of Collecting
 
 
                              From Collecting to Hoarding
 
 
 
Chapter 13. Dynamics of Family Structure and Transitions
                              Intergenerational Relationships
 
 
                              The Single-Child Family System
 
 
                              Variations in Family Structure
 
 
 
Chapter 14. Dynamics of Culture and Change
                              Dynamics of International Families
 
 
                              Culture and Communication
 
 
                              Enculturation and Acculturation
 
 
 
Chapter 15. Dynamics of Happiness
                              The Intentionality of Happiness
 
 
                              Dynamics of Spiritual Development
 
 
                              Education and Public Policy
 
 
                              Family Connections and Rituals
 
 
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index