Family of origin refers to the early social group a person belongs to in childhood, which is often a person's

biological family Family ( la, familia, plural ') is one of the eight major hierarchical taxonomic ranks in Linnaean taxonomy. It is classified between order and genus. A family may be divided into subfamilies, which are intermediate ranks between the ranks of f ...

or an adoptive family. The family of origin is often referred to in contrast to the

family of choice A family of choice, also known as chosen family, found family, kith and kin, or hānai family is a term that refers to a non-biologically related group of people established to provide ongoing social support. Unlike a "family of origin" (the biol ...

independently in adulthood (such as

marriage Marriage, also called matrimony or wedlock, is a culturally and often legally recognized union between people called spouses. It establishes rights and obligations between them, as well as between them and their children, and between ...

, living independently, etc). 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.

Psychology

As psychological counseling and psychotherapy have gradually become more prevalent,

mental health Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing cognition, perception, and behavior. It likewise determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. Mental health ...

personal development Personal development or self improvement consists of activities that develop a person's capabilities and potential, build human capital, facilitate employability, and enhance quality of life and the realization of dreams and aspirations. Persona ...

, and

self-actualization Self-actualization, in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is the highest level of psychological development, where personal potential is fully realized after basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled. Self-actualization was coined by the organism ...

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, mental trauma or psychotrauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events, such as accidents, rape, or natural disasters. Reactions such as psychological shock and psychological denial are typical. ...

brought about by intimate relationships.

Sociology

With the rapid

urbanization Urbanization (or urbanisation) refers to the population shift from 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. It is predominantly t ...

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 between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics, or values. In today's usage, ''generation gap'' often refers to a perceived gap between younger people and their paren ...

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 "natal family" to which she could not return or only occasionally visit.

References

{{reflist Social psychology Human migration Educational psychology Cultural generations Sociology of the family Feminism and the family

Psychology

Sociology

For women

See also

References