Deepening Understanding of Family Dynamics in Chinese Culture: Reflective Writing in Professional Education

Understanding one's family of origin is essential for students in the helping professions, as it fosters self-awareness and illuminates personal strengths and vulnerabilities. This qualitative study examines the family experiences of Taiwanese undergraduate social work students, focusing on cultural influences on self-development and the effectiveness of reading and reflective writing in deepening family exploration. Content analysis of 34 student assignments identified two main themes: (1) key issues emerging during family exploration, and (2) the role of reading and reflective writing in facilitating this process. Subthemes of the first theme included individuation and differentiation, the need for parental affirmation, parent-child conflict, and the influence of parents' marital relationships. Findings highlight the enduring impact of Chinese cultural values on students' development and family dynamics. Engaging with culturally relevant case literature and reflective writing promoted deeper insights and self-awareness, underscoring the importance of integrating family exploration into culturally responsive professional education.