1-Gordon's 11 functional health patterns theory appears to be the most helpful and effective in evaluating families. This theory focuses on 11 health patterns in the family and is used to find out risk factors based on the answers within the current developmental stages of the family and its members.

It utilizes the technique of establishing patterns from the provided information and focuses on reducing risk based on the patterns. "The presence of risk factors predicts potential dysfunction. Developmental risk and risk arising from dysfunctional health patterns increase whole family risk." (Edelman & Mandle, 2010)

I find this theory to be the most helpful as it focuses on the whole family with attention to the developmental stage each family member is currently in.

With focus on risk that may affect one member of the family it works to improve the family as a whole based on the fact that one family member can affect the whole family based on their actions.

2-Dr. Murray Bowen introduced The Family Systems Theory that suggests that individuals can not be understood in isolation from one another, but rather as a part of their family. Furthermore, families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals, none of whom can be understand in isolation from the system.

Bowen states that a family is made of members that play a role and rules to respect. Although, maintaining the same pattern of behaviors within a family may lead to balance in a family, but it could led to dysfunction.

For example, if a mother experiences depression and can not get it together, the husband may need to take up more responsibilities. This change could create stability or led the family to a different equilibrium.