The premise of need arises from a theoretical view of support roles in the family termed a "Support Sphere". This is where the child is the central figure contained within a "sphere" of parental type support. In many instances the major support figures are the parents, though it varies from family to family. Beyond the parental figures are relatives, friends, community groups, teachers, coaches, etc. When a major support figure is lost, death being the ultimate example, a large part of the Support Sphere disappears.

If the remaining parent has the strength, or secondary support figures are near, the gap in the Support Sphere closes, re-engulfing the child. If, for whatever reason, the remaining parent or secondary support cannot close the gap, then negative influences can directly impact the child. Also in the case where a section of the Support Sphere remains open, the child i forced to fill the gap, and therefore take on the role of self-provider. A lot depends on the developmental age of the child or young adult regarding short and long term effects of the loss of support, or what negative influences take hold.