Introduction to Family Processes

Denise Ann Bodman, PhD, has taught family and human development courses at Arizona State University’s T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics for over 30 years, garnering numerous teaching and service awards. Her writings (both popular and scientific) and research have focused on cross-cultural parenting and family relationships.Bethany Bustamante Van Vleet, PhD, is a Teaching Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Arizona State University in the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. Her passion lies in engaging students while teaching them about family and human development, measurement, and statistics. With a husband and six kids, Introduction to Family Processes is more than just a textbook to Bethany. Before his passing, Randal D. Day, PhD, was a popular teacher, mentor, researcher, and scholar. He published more than 100 research articles, books, and government documents focusing on family processes, men in families, and social science research.

"Throughout family sciences’ history, we have struggled to come to a shared definition of 'family.' It is often proposed that if we can come to an agreement about 'what is family,' then our science can excel, gain strength, and make contributions. What we find in this book is an answer to 'what is family' that doesn’t work to bring us to one definition or a generally accepted form for family. Rather, the authors encourage us to look at family sciences from the vantage point that invites our incorporation of the complexities that we often simplify. Rather than a definition, the text brings us through ideas of how we support and understand families through their diversity of both form and function. Throughout their work, the authors help us recenter our definition of family to better align with the families we see around us. This breadth of focus illuminates the intricate and beautiful tapestry of family—woven through with the many processes and shared tasks integral to defining family. It is with this wider lens, perhaps kaleidoscope, that our discipline gains strength and rigor. The authors bring us to a new level of understanding of the complexities and beauties, and challenges inherent in all family forms."Dr. Wendy Middlemiss, University of North Texas, US"Defining 'family' is not simple—families grow, shift, and adapt across time, circumstances, and choice. In Introduction to Family Processes (7th Ed), a mother–daughter team of scholar–moms brings both deep research expertise and lived experience to provide an engaging exploration of how families form, communicate, and thrive. Drawing on years of research on families and their own personal insights, they describe the roles, dynamics, and transformations involved in modern family life—illustrating the challenges and joys of family connections."Carol Lynn Martin, Cowden Distinguished Professor, T. D. Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, US"This book offers a comprehensive exploration of families in constant transition, viewing them as dynamic systems rather than static entities. The authors address a broad range of contemporary family challenges—marriage, divorce, stepfamilies, developmental changes, grief, resilience, and child-rearing—while providing practical tools for navigating them. The central metaphor of families as kaleidoscopes—beautiful, imperfect, and ever-changing—effectively captures the book’s message. Its strength lies in combining research-based insight with real-world reflection, engaging readers in thoughtful consideration of how families adapt and grow through change in our ever-changing world."Tamara Rounds, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Professor, Arizona State University, US

• Preface Part I: Foundations of Family Processes Chapter 1 “Family,” Family Processes, and Family Trends Chapter 2 Theories about Family Life Chapter 3 Family as Data: Capturing Complexity in Research Chapter 4 Genograms: Mapping the Story of Your Family Part II: Forming and Framing Families Chapter 5 From Me to We: Identity, Intimacy, and the Formation of Family Chapter 6 Family Expansion: Parenting and Family Relationships across Generations Chapter 7 Family Ideologies and Paradigms: The Core of Family Life Part III: Organizing Family Life Chapter 8 Family Rituals and Routines: Windows of Family Identity Chapter 9 3 Rs: Rules, Roles, and Relational Patterns Chapter 10 “Can You Hear Me Now?” The Messy, Meaningful World of Family Communication Chapter 11 Regulating Distance and Boundaries Part IV: Adapting and Transforming Chapter 12 Families in Motion: How We Grow, Shift, and Transform Chapter 13 Family Stress and Resilience: Theory, Context, and Tools for Coping Chapter 14 Restoring Connection: The Dynamics of Forgiveness CODA Family as Living Intelligence