Supporting Families in Crisis: Awareness and Use of Third Places

Abstract

Families experiencing transition and difficulty often need external support. Third places provide opportunity for external social connection and support through informal relationships. This paper examines how the third place model shares concepts with family theory and how it connects to the field of Family Science as a useful framework for helping individuals and families. The paper provides insights useful for the design of successful third places based on psychological, social, and physical attributes as avenues of support and well-being. Also addressed are the benefits of the discovery, conceptualization, and application of third place and its usefulness for the field of Family Science.