Family of origin refers to the early social group a person belongs to in childhood, which is often a person's
biological family or an
adoptive family. The family of origin is often referred to in contrast to the
family of choice independently in adulthood (such as
marriage
Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognised union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children (if any), and b ...
, living independently, etc).
Psychology
As psychological counseling and psychotherapy have gradually become more prevalent,
mental health
Mental health is often mistakenly equated with the absence of mental illness. However, mental health refers to a person's overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave, and how t ...
,
personal development
Personal development or self-improvement consists of activities that develops a person's capabilities and potential, enhance quality of life, and facilitate the realization of dreams and aspirations. Personal development may take place over the ...
, and
self-actualization have received more attention. The concept of the family of origin provides a new perspective for understanding and dealing with
intergenerational relationships and treating the
psychological trauma
Psychological trauma (also known as mental trauma, psychiatric trauma, emotional damage, or psychotrauma) is an emotional response caused by severe distressing events, such as Major trauma, bodily injury, Sexual assault, sexual violence, or ot ...
brought about by intimate relationships. Throughout the long process of growing up, people develop fixed thinking habits and attachment patterns. The process of
growing up is also a process of recognizing, perceiving, and reflecting on one's family of origin.
Sociology
With the rapid
urbanization
Urbanization (or urbanisation in British English) is the population shift from Rural area, rural to urban areas, the corresponding decrease in the proportion of people living in rural areas, and the ways in which societies adapt to this change. ...
and rising education levels in third world, there are significant differences between generations in terms of education, values, lifestyles, etc. The increasing emphasis on the concept of the family of origin reflects the
generation gap
A generation gap or generational gap is a difference of opinions and outlooks between one generation and another. These differences may relate to beliefs, politics, language, work, demographics and values. The differences between generations can ...
caused by rapid economic growth.
For women
In the social customs of some regions such as ancient China, the
husband's family was the family a woman belonged to after marriage, while the family of origin became the "
outer kins" to which she could not return or only occasionally visit.
See also
*
Family of choice
References
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Social psychology
Human migration
Educational psychology
Cultural generations
Sociology of the family
Feminism and the family