Deck 9: Family Theories

Question 1

Minuchin describes four family subsystems. Which of the following is not one of these subsystems?

A) Parental subsystem
B) Sibling subsystem
C) Parent-child subsystem
D) Grandparent-child subsystem

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Rigid boundaries within a family system can create social isolation because of the absence of needed social transactions between family members. This condition is called

A) Disharmonious relationship
B) Communication distortion
C) Disengagement
D) Epiphenomenal

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The husband in a marriage is a personable extrovert who tells funny stories. The wife is an appreciative listener. This is an example of a role set.

A) Symmetrical
B) Complementary
C) Asymmetrical
D) Matched

Answer 3

A

Question 4

In structural family theory, enduring family structures which are resistant to change are developed from

A) Parent's communication style
B) Parental subsystem dynamics
C) Societal expectations
D) Repeated patterns of interaction

Question 5

In structural family theory, which of the following items is a function of the spousal subsystem that is changing in today's society?

A) Has internal and external boundaries
B) Important intimate and economic functions
C) An expectation of permanence
D) Provides foundation for reproduction and child-raising

Question 6

A couple that argues over parenting issues, then allows those differences to affect their affection and respect for each other in their spousal role is not maintaining the subsystem's

A) Boundary
B) Role complementary
C) Autonomy
D) Differentiation

Question 7

Relatively minor adjustments in attitudes and behavior made in response to the needs of others in a role set is

A) Detouring
B) Role reciprocity
C) Accommodation
D) Coalition

Question 8

How has the evolution of society changed the role structure of families? Explore the changes I the workplace. Explore the need for two family earners. Explore the prevalence of blended families and 'serial monogamy.' Explore the issues associated with gay marriage.

Question 9

How does the family of origin influence the patterns in our family of procreation?Explore whether family processes can be changed. Explore the process of assessing one's own family and assessing strengths and weaknesses. Explore the processes bywhich one can make rational choices about constructing family processes.

Question 10

A factor that influences structure in all families, for example, the need for an executive hierarchy is called

A) Triangulation
B) Isophilic
C) Enmeshment
D) Coalition

Question 11

The concept of turbulence at the interface is characterized by two important effects on communication. One of those is information distortion, the other is

A) Information loss
B) Information boundary
C) Information expansion
D) Information selectivity

Question 12

Do family communication patterns determine our own style of communication?Explore the concept of double bind communication. Explore the concept of passive- aggressive communication versus responsible communication. Explore ways of clarifying and improving communications within families.

Question 13

When comparing role relationships, theorists generally consider which to be the most stable type relationship over time?

A) Symmetrical role relationship
B) Accommodation role relationship
C) Complementary role relationship
D) None of the above

Question 14

The reduction of tension within a dyad by involving a third person is

A) A role set
B) Blending
C) A double bind
D) Triangulation

Question 15

In some dysfunctional families, communication becomes so idiosyncratic that the style of communication within that family almost could be called

A) Context sensitive
B) A private language
C) Entropic
D) Information distortion

Question 16

How do enmeshment and differentiation influence personality development? Explore the concept of the 'undifferentiated ego mass.' Contrast interpersonal and emotional differentiation. Explore whether enmeshment is ever functional.

Question 17

Overinvolvement with another individual in the family, resulting in loss of clear identity, which is a result of diffuse boundaries, is

A) Coalition
B) Displacement
C) Differentiation
D) Enmeshment

Question 18

How do family roles in the family of origin influence the subsequent development of self? Explore whether we are determined in our development by the roles in our family of origin. Explore the process of role making in adolescents and adults.

Question 19

Social or emotional detachment from another person is

A) Disengagement
B) Differentiation
C) Epiphenomenal
D) Accommodation

Question 20

Sending a message about a message refers to

A) Strategic communication
B) Metacommunication
C) Symbiotic communication
D) Symmetrical communication

Question 21

What are the power issues that can arise during the storming stage of group development? Start with the example of a task group and progress to an example of a treatment group to demonstrate differences in group evolution.

Question 22

What is the impact of ascribed roles versus achieved roles in a group setting?Discussion should include acceptance, trust, and cohesiveness.

Question 23

Identify an instance where a task group may develop into a treatment group and an instance where a treatment group may develop into a task group. The first issue involves the evolving relationships and trust in a group, while the second issue involves the development of group cohesiveness.

Question 24

In what ways will group membership impact the formation of group relationships?Identification of in-group and out-group members will facilitate this discussion.