As the social worker for Joe’s family from the1999 film Joe the King, I note in completing a family assessment that there are several biological factors influencing family dynamics. Bob and Theresa Henry have been together for at least 15 years. They are married with two children. Mike is their oldest son, and Joe is a year younger. The first biological factor which stands out is that of the sons because of their age. As adolescents, they are significantly influenced by the biology of puberty, which include hormones and physiological changes. These biological factors also tend to have an impact on social variables such as insecurity and wanting to be more social. Bob Henry has a biological problem in the form of addiction to alcohol. This may be intergenerational, and related to socioeconomic and other non-biological processes, however the result of his drinking is a biological factor because without alcohol he will go into withdrawal. The alcohol further has a biological impact, resulting in Bob being more aggressive and violent. This behavior has an impact on Theresa which is both biological and social. Theresa Henry has significant problems with stress and anxiety. She may be suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder brought on by her husband’s temper and alcoholism. This would be caused by the cortisol from the stress wearing down the physiological systems involved with stress. Theresa’s biology impacts on the family system because it leaves her unavailable to her children on practical and emotional levels. The parents are typical the providers and role models in a family, however with neither Bob nor Theresa able to take on this role it falls to Joe. Joe therefore must bear the adult pressures of work and paying bills while simultaneously completing the developmental milestones, both social and academic, of his biological age.
- Whaley, F. (1999). Joe the King. USA: Trimark Pictures.
