- Communication - clear, open, direct(verbal & non-verbal), feelings and emotions freely expressed, anger seen as a need for change, each hears and responds to others
- Autonomy - family consists of separate individuals, each takes responsibilty for personal actions and behaviour
- Acceptance - respect for the unique experience of others
- Structure - clear, flexible roles, the family script, consistent rules help resolve conflict
- Leadership - power shared appropriately by parents, fair without domination, humiliation or scapegoating, noone told what to think or feel, even the youngest is considered able to contribute
- Partnership - strong bonding and coalition of parents
- Flexibility - give and take, adapt to individual needs & changing circumstances, change not seen as threatening
- Appreciation - encouragement & praise create self-esteem, loving acceptance without judgmental attitudes
- Support networks - inside and outside the family, provide strength & stability for coping with problems & stresses
- Family time - attention is paid to doing things together
- Growth - warm, nurturing, fulfilling atmosphere
- Need for intimacy - tenderness not seen as weakness, sexual interest considered a generally positive force
- Religion, philosophy and reality - positive values and beliefs, world-view is realistic but extends beyond the present
ref: No Single Thread: Psychological Health in Family Systems, JM Lewis et al, 1976, Brunner/Mazel, New York (Study by the Timberlawn Foundation, Dallas, Texas)