Family Development Theory 30 Years Later

Abstract

AbstractMattessich and Hill (1987) charted an historical overview of the family life cycle and development perspective in The Handbook of Marriage and the Family. That same year Evelyn Duvall presented a distinguished lecture at the National Council on Family Relations meeting titled, “Family Development's First Forty Years.” These academic works capture the historical foundation of family development theory by two pioneers of the theory and provide a reference point for discussing the history, current state, and future of the theory. In this article, Hill's and Duvall's historical accounts are summarized, contextualized, and used as a reference point to present four challenges to the future relevance of family development theory. Recommendations for future theory, research and practice are suggested.