The cycle of family function: a conceptual model for family medicine.

Information gained from family studies requires integration in the educational matrix of family medicine. To facilitate this activity a model that synthesizes major theories and definitions is presented. This paper describes a conceptual model that includes components that have been identified as basic to the recognition and understanding of the family in trouble. It is proposed that knowledge of family function as represented in the model, the Cycle of Family Function, will, in turn, help the physician assess and manage problems presented by patients who are victims of stress related to family problems.