Domain 7. Role relationship
Class 2. Family relationships
Diagnostic Code: 00063
Nanda label: Dysfunctional family processes
Diagnostic focus: Family processes
The nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes can be defined as an alteration in family functioning due to a number of factors related to the family system itself. In healthcare, this is often addressed when working with families facing medical and psychological issues. Healthcare providers should understand the basic components of ‘family functioning’ and the impact of a dysfunctional family on the overall health and well-being of its members.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
According to NANDA International (NANDA-I), the definition of Dysfunctional Family Processes is “An alteration in family systems associated with family conflict, martial discord, or other problems that interfere with the ability of the family to function”.
Defining Characteristics
The following are subjective and objective Defining Characteristics for the NANDA nursing diagnosis of Dysfunctional Family Processes:
- Subjective: Feelings of anger, guilt, fear, shame, hopelessness, helplessness, and embarrassment within the family system.
- Objective: Evidence of family conflict that affects family goals and dynamics; power differentials exist within the family; negative communication styles; and lack of structure, consistency, and role-definition.
Related factors for the dysfunctional family processes diagnosis include:
- Family Conflict: This is when family members have a difference in opinion or values that lead to disagreements and conflict. This can manifest into physical, verbal, and psychological abuse among family member.
- Marital Discord: This occurs when there is a breakdown in communication between spouses. It can also manifest in emotionally detached, hostile, or emotionally manipulative behavior in the relationship.
- Cultural Expectations: In some cultures, expectations of gender roles, legacies of trauma, or oppressive systems of power can erode a family's sense of unity and disrupt family dynamics.
At Risk Population
At risk populations for experiencing dysfunctional family processes include those who live in poverty, single-parent households, come from minority populations, or have changes in family composition (e.g., divorce or death of a family member). Additionally, grandparents raising grandchildren, families experiencing mental illness or substance abuse, victims of domestic violence, or parents struggling with infertility could also face the risks of this diagnosis.
Associated Conditions
Associated conditions with dysfunctional family processes include mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, social adjustment problems, delinquency, and school truancy. Additionally, individuals may experience poor academic performance, eating disorders, early pregnancy, increased risk of physical injury, or behavioural and emotional problems.
Suggestions of Use
Nursing interventions based on the dysfunctional family processes diagnosis should focus on improving the family dynamics and functioning of the whole system. This includes teaching skills to improve communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Furthermore, providing resources to address the individual needs within the family system should be considered. Empowerment and strengthening family ties should be the goal in order to decrease risk factors and promote positive family interaction.
Suggested Alternative NANDA Nursing Diagnosis
Alternative NANDA nursing diagnosis for dysfunctional family processes include:
- Impaired Social Interaction: This diagnosis is applicable when negative social interactions interfere with the individual's ability to participate in meaningful relationships.
- Social Isolation: This diagnosis is applicable when there is self-imposed exclusion from social interactions that lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and exclusion/alienation.
- Noncompliance: This diagnosis is applicable when individuals fail to comply with the expectation of their environment or parenting units.
Usage Tips
Many nurses use NANDA nursing diagnosis on a regular basis but can be unaware that dysfunctional family processes can be a primary or coexisting diagnosis when working with families. Nurses should remember to assess the family situation and consider how it might be impacting the health of the individuals within the family.
NOC Outcomes
NOC Outcomes for the NANDA nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes include:
- Family Coping: This refers to the effectiveness of family members to manage day-to-day stress, conflicts, and circumstances that arise.
- Family Processes: This refers to the organization of family roles and identities, as well as the cohesion, flexibility, and communication that exists within the family system.
- Family Attitudes: This refers to the attitudes that family members maintain regarding family bonds, expectations, and traditions.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
The evaluation objectives and criteria for the dysfunctional family processes diagnosis include:
- Observation of family interaction and communication.
- Assessment of family roles and identities.
- Assessment of family cohesion and flexibility.
- Assessment of family attitude and expectations.
NIC Interventions
NIC Interventions for the NANDA nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes include:
- Family Assessment: This intervention focuses on gathering information on the family dynamics and interrelationships.
- Family Support: This intervention includes problem-solving, provision of support, counselling, and roles like caregiver relief.
- Family Education: This intervention involves educating family members about current health status and treatments, as well as reinforcing healthy behaviour and providing psychosocial education.
Nursing Activities
Nursing activities when addressing the dysfunctional family processes diagnosis include:
- Providing compassionate care.
- Listening to the family's concerns.
- Providing education and resources to help the family cope.
- Assessment of family roles.
- Developing a safe, non-judgmental environment.
- Using empowering language and guiding questions.
- Developing a plan of action together with the family.
Conclusion
Nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional family processes is typically addressed in healthcare settings when working with families facing medical and psychological issues. Knowledgeable healthcare providers should understand the components of family functioning and the potential impact of dysfunctional family processes on the overall well-being of family members. Interventions should focus on improving family dynamics and provide resources to meet the individual needs within the family system.
FAQs
- What is dysfunctional family processes? Dysfunctional family processes is an alteration in family functioning due to a number of factors related to the family system itself. In healthcare, this is often addressed when working with families facing medical and psychological issues.
- What are the related factors associated with dysfunctional family processes? Related factors for dysfunctional family processes include: family conflict, marital discord, and cultural expectations.
- Who is at risk of experiencing dysfunctional family processes? At risk populations for dysfunctional family processes include those who live in poverty, single-parent households, come from minority populations, or have changes in family composition (e.g., divorce or death of a family member). Additionally, grandparents raising grandchildren, families experiencing mental illness or substance abuse, and victims of domestic violence can also face risks.
- What are some associated conditions of dysfunctional family processes? Associated conditions of dysfunctional family processes include mental health concerns, substance abuse issues, social adjustment problems, delinquency, and school truancy.
- What types of nursing interventions can be used when addressing dysfunctional family processes? Nursing interventions for dysfunctional family processes should focus on improving the family dynamics and functioning of the whole family system. This includes teaching skills to improve communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, as well as providing resources to address the individual needs within the family system.