Family Dynamics

Term Paper # 101382

Child, Youth Issues > Family Issues
Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Psychology > Case Studies

Family Dynamics

This paper explores the dynamics of familial interactions and characterization in National Lampoon's film "Christmas Vacation."

2,281 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper addresses the family dynamics of the Griswold family in National Lampoon's classic parody of Christmas films, "Christmas Vacation," using Dorthea Orem's model of universal self-care. The paper provides an experiment into the functionality of a fictional family through exploring the characters of Clark Griswold (husband and father), Ellen Griswold (wife and mother), Audrey Griswold (teenage daughter), Rusty Griswold (son in early adolescence) and Eddie Johnson (cousin-in-law).

Outline:
Introduction
Cultural Assessment of Family Structure
Universal Self-Care Requisites
Developmental Self-Care Requisites
Nursing Systems Used to Meet These Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The Griswold family is a traditional nuclear family consisting of father, mother, and two siblings (male and female). Typically, all interaction within this family is expressed between the four primary members. In the film, circumstances are altered so that the immediate family is changed and multiple members of the extended family are brought into stay within the same household. This affects the dynamics of the immediate family and impedes normal behavior. According to Orem's theories, it is now no longer possible for the Griswold family to engage in their conventional stable roles within this setting. However, the actions of the immediate Griswold family indicate that their roles are highly defined and that they are attempting to conform to them. This is especially evident in the actions of Clark and Ellen."

Sample of Sources Used:

Allison, S. E. (2002). Nursing Administration in the 21st Century: A Self-Care Theory Approach. New York: Sage Publications.
Hartweg, D. (1991). Dorothea Orem: Self-Care Deficit Strategies. New York: Sage Publications.
MacKenzie, A. (1996). Nursing in Primary Health Care: Policy and Practice. New York: Routledge.
Orem, D. (2001). Nursing Concepts of Practice (6th Edition). New York: Mosby.