Microtransitions and the dynamics of family functioning

This paper presents a qualitative observational study aimed at exploring microtransitions in the dynamics of family functioning when the children are adolescents. Three concurrent aspects were considered central for family functioning in this period: the acknowledgment of emerging competences, the redefinition of the power structure, and the regulation of interpersonal distances. Twenty-eight non-clinical Italian families with at least one adolescent child were interviewed and video-recorded in their homes. A stance-taking process analysis was carried out on the family interactive sequences arising in the course of the interviews. This analysis was based on the stances taken by all family members in relation to their reciprocal evaluations, positions, and alignments. Four groups of families were identified. Two of them were still anchored to old repertoires or showed resistance to the introduction of new ones. In either case, they did not proceed towards reorganizations of competences, distances, and power. The other two groups of families instead went through family microtransitions by either exploring changes or legitimating reorganizations. In this process, they could redefine and readdress roles, closeness, and competences.