Given the challenges experienced by the Semai indigenous communities in Perak, Malaysia, and their distinct cultural beliefs, it is important to understand the role of the social and cultural networks in their resilience processes. In particular, further attention needs to be paid to how their families function and shape their beliefs about their lives, as there might be key mechanisms and processes that differ from existing general conceptualizations of family. This grounded theory analysis of 23 Semai Orang Asli (indigenous) community members established a model of the Semai’s family conceptualization and functioning. Findings revealed that the Semai’s concept of family encompasses an extensive network of individuals with their shared relationship with nyenang (spirit ancestors) and cultural heritage, which in turn leads them to have a deep sense of shared family identity and connectedness. This worldview guided the Semai’s family processes and functioning, captured by the following five dimensions: sharing obligations and responsibilities, making collective decisions, prioritizing community’s welfare, sharing of knowledge and resources, and willingness to work with everyone. These factors facilitate a conducive and supportive environment aimed at maintaining existing family relationships. This model can guide the development of culturally specific programs that promote and strengthen indigenous family relationships and resilience.

鉴于马来西亚霹雳州 Semai 土著社区所经历的挑战以及他们独特的文化信仰，了解社会和文化网络在其复原过程中的作用非常重要。特别是，需要进一步关注他们的家庭如何运作和塑造他们对生活的信念，因为可能存在不同于现有一般家庭概念的关键机制和过程。这项对 23 名 Semai Orang Asli（土著）社区成员的扎根理论分析建立了 Semai 家庭概念和功能的模型。调查结果显示，Semai 的家庭概念包含一个广泛的个人网络，他们与nyenang有共同的关系（精神祖先）和文化遗产，这反过来又使他们对共同的家庭身份和联系产生深刻的认识。这种世界观指导了 Semai 的家庭进程和运作，体现在以下五个方面：分担义务和责任、做出集体决策、优先考虑社区福利、共享知识和资源以及愿意与每个人合作。这些因素促进了旨在维持现有家庭关系的有利和支持环境。这种模式可以指导制定促进和加强土著家庭关系和复原力的特定文化计划。