Circumplex model of marital and family systems

The conceptual clustering of numerous concepts from family therapy and other social science fields reveals 2 significant dimensions of family behaviour, cohesion and adaptability. These 2 dimensions are placed into a Circumplex Model which is used to identify 16 types of marital and family systems. The Model proposes that a balanced level of both cohesion and adaptability is the most functional to marital and family development. The empirical work to date indicates the validity of the Model and its heuristic value. The Model may be used as a tool for clinical assessment or research. A self-report scale (FACES), for which United States and Australian norms are available, provides an empirical basis for identifying the 16 types.