Conceptualizing and Measuring the Family Context

The family is the central context of development, with effects across the life span, yet research in this area presents challenges in conceptualization and assessment. Guided by family systems theory, this chapter offers readers an overview of key principles to guide scholarship in this rich and rewarding field. In our review of family subsystems, wholism, interdependence, and open/closed systems, we identify common gaps and opportunities in the family sciences. We discuss the importance of designing studies with special attention given to the source of information and the implications of various design choices. Finally, we highlight the dynamic nature of families and how change processes can be conceptualized across short (e.g., momentary and daily) and long (e.g., developmental) timescales. Our hope is that this chapter can provide an overview of the concepts and methods underlying family scholarship for new and experienced social scientists.