A dysfunctional family is a family characterized by misbehavior, abuse, abandoned responsibilities and conflict. Members of the family take up certain roles or accommodate certain actions. Children growing up in dysfunctional families sometimes find the arrangement as being normal. The main result of a dysfunctional family is due to co-dependent adults who may be suffering from substance abuses and addiction to the drugs. Rosie’s family is an example of a dysfunctional family. Since her mother is into drugs, she has taken up all her mother’s roles to ensure that her younger siblings go to school and have something to eat.
Rosie has taken up the role of the Hero or the good child role which involves taking the role of a parent. She is also playing the role of the caretaker in ensuring emotional wellbeing of her siblings. She can also be playing the role of the mascot in using comedy to help her younger siblings put their attention away from the problems faced in their dysfunctional family. Last possible role she might be playing is that of the mastermind to some extend. She might take the opportunity to capitalize on the faults of the family members-both the parent and sibling to get what she wants (Stoop and Masteller, 1997, pp 72).
The long-term consequences of Rosie playing the role of the ‘mum’ are that she may grow up very fast, lack the opportunity to be playful/ childlike, she might also be unable to take care of her or grow slowly. Rosie is also highly prone to anxiety, depression and may also experience suicidal thoughts. She can also get into drug abuse and subsequently get addicted. The siblings see Rosie as the one to run to for emotional and material support. Rosie’s mother sees Rosie as the one to cover up her faults.
Reference
Stoop D and Masteller J. (1997) Forgiving Our Parents, Forgiving Ourselves: Healing Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families, pp 72
