This is an opportunity to learn about families by interviewing one. You will not be doing family therapy. You will simply be assuming the role of an interested interviewer of a non-clinical family (i.e. family that is not in therapy) as you learn about the culture — of a non-help-seeking family. Select a family that you are not personally connected to (e.g. choose a family that a friend or classmate knows, current neighbors or a family in your hometown you are not too familiar with). Selection of families may vary in terms of family forms and structures (i.e. two-parent, single parent, teen parent, multigenerational homes, blended/remarried families, gay/lesbian/transgendered parents, adoptive or foster family, ethnically/racially diverse or mixed families, etc.) reflective of today’s diversity and composition of families. You will gain more from this experience by having all immediate family members present (a minimum of 2 family members that you can speak with during your interview is expected). After you interview the family you will write 4-5 page (double-spaced
) paper that describes: (1) How you ended up selecting the family, (2) The composition of family you interviewed (keep identities confidential), (3) Some highlights of the interview, (4) Sample questions you asked along with family’s responses, (5) Based on the family’s reminiscing and how they co-constructed their shared past through storytelling, describe this family’s narrative or story (i.e. If you were to tell their story, what would that sound like?). (6) What this experience was like for you (ideas, thoughts, reactions, etc.), and (7) Anything else that was relevant (e.g. how this might contribute to your professional development, what this experience was like for the family, etc.). EVALUATION CRITERIA: The Family Narrative Interview will be evaluated based on the completion of the assignment-
Criteria:
How did you end up selecting the family
The composition of the family interviewed
Highlights of the Interview
Sample question and responses
Family’s Narrative or Story
What this experience was like for you
Other relevant information
APA 7th edition format