Deck 13: Family Systems Theory

Question 1

Compare the definitions of dysfunction offered by structural and Bowenian therapists.

Answer 1

Structural therapists define dysfunction as the result of rigid boundaries and enmeshment within the family system. They believe that dysfunctional behavior arises from the imbalance of power and control within the family, leading to an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. In contrast, Bowenian therapists view dysfunction as stemming from emotional cutoff and unresolved emotional issues within the family system. They emphasize the intergenerational transmission of emotional patterns and the impact of unresolved past conflicts on current family dynamics. While structural therapists focus on the immediate family structure and its impact on individual behavior, Bowenian therapists take a more systemic approach, considering the broader family system and its historical context.

Question 2

Give an example of a system and describe what happens when one element is changed.

Answer 2

Sure, one example of a system is a car engine. When one element of the car engine, such as the spark plugs, is changed, it can have a significant impact on the overall performance of the engine. The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders, which in turn powers the car. If the spark plugs are old or worn out, they may not spark efficiently, leading to a decrease in engine performance, such as reduced fuel efficiency and power output. By changing the spark plugs to new ones, the engine will operate more efficiently, leading to improved performance and overall better functioning of the car.

Question 3

Describe the differences between open and closed family systems and give an example of each.

Answer 3

Open family systems are characterized by flexibility, communication, and support for individual autonomy. In open family systems, members are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings, and there is a sense of acceptance and understanding within the family. This type of system allows for growth, change, and adaptability to different situations.

An example of an open family system could be one where family members openly communicate with each other about their feelings and support each other in pursuing their individual goals and interests. For instance, a family where parents encourage their children to explore various hobbies and interests, and openly discuss their thoughts and emotions, would be considered an open family system.

On the other hand, closed family systems are characterized by rigidity, lack of communication, and strict adherence to traditional roles and rules. In closed family systems, there is a lack of openness and flexibility, and members may feel stifled or restricted in expressing themselves. This type of system may lead to conflicts, misunderstandings, and an inability to adapt to change.

An example of a closed family system could be one where certain topics are considered taboo and not openly discussed, or where family members are expected to conform to strict expectations and roles without question. For instance, a family where children are not encouraged to express their emotions or pursue their own interests, and where traditional gender roles are strictly enforced, would be considered a closed family system.

Question 4

Why do family systems theorists use the term "identified patient"?

Question 5

What did Bowen mean by "multigenerational transmission"?

Question 6

Discuss the issues regarding the use of family therapy by feminist therapists.

Question 7

What does the research find in terms of cultural bias in family therapy?

Question 8

A family systems therapist would likely refer to Jim as a(n):

A) primary source of his parent's problems
B) identified patient
C) scapegoat
D) manipulator

Question 9

In the above scenario, Satir would argue that the family members

A) are driven by aggressive impulses and will probably not be able to function as a healthy family system.
B) are all separately striving to attain superiority and that will interfere with their ability to function as a healthy family system.
C) have the internal resources that they need to be able to work together and function as a healthy family system.
D) are inherently familiar with the hierarchy of the family and will be able to work together and function as a healthy family system.

Question 10

Jim stated during a recent therapy session that when his mother and father argue, he feels like his mother puts a lot of pressure on him to align with her and reject his father. Jim's mother is

A) working to keep the three members of the family in the primary triad.
B) experiencing a transferential reaction to Jim.
C) forming a coalition with Jim.
D) forming a triangle with Jim, leaving Jim's father excluded from the dyad of Jim and Jim's mother.

Question 11

Jim's disclosure of feeling pressure from his mother to align with her would likely happen in which of the following stages of therapy

A) contact
B) chaos
C) integration
D) termination

Question 12

One of the hallmarks of Virginia Satir's approach to family therapy is the focus on:

A) self-esteem
B) differentiation
C) subsystems
D) assessment

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT one of Satir's faulty communication stances?

A) Placating
B) Computing
C) Blaming
D) Leveling

Question 14

The approaches in the chapter on family systems theory are alike in that they all recognize

A) problems in separating from family
B) triangles
C) that the therapy is short-term
D) both b and c are true

Question 15

According to structural family therapy, subsystems are

A) small groups of family members
B) entire families
C) individuals
D) a and c

Question 16

Strategic and structural therapy share an interest in which construct?

A) Differentiation
B) Self-esteem
C) Hierarchies
D) None of the above

Question 17

Jeb presents as rigid and robot-like as he tells you what brings him to counseling. He says that his family complains that he has no feelings and doesn't seem to care about them, only work. At work, Jeb is unhappy because everyone is always begging him for something. He would be much better off if others would just leave him alone to do his work. Jeb says that his coworkers complain that he is inflexible and interpersonally distant. According to a strategic therapist, Jeb is:

A) exhibiting rigid, repetitive interactive behavior
B) fused with his family
C) differentiated from his family
D) being inauthentic with the therapist

Question 18

Satir would say that Jeb relies most on which type of communication?

A) blaming
B) distracting
C) leveling
D) computing

Question 19

Structural family therapists would say that Jeb's family is probably

A) enmeshed
B) disengaged
C) undifferentiated
D) communicating authentically

Question 20

A Bowen family systems counselor would be likely to characterize Jeb as:

A) taking an I position
B) enmeshed
C) engaging in emotional cutoff
D) having low self-esteem

Question 21

Which of the following family system therapies would be most interested in an objective (as compared to a subjective) viewpoint on therapy?

A) structural
B) strategic
C) Satir
D) a and b

Question 22

The idea that the therapist must know her own family is essential to which of the following family system therapies?

A) structural
B) strategic
C) Satir
D) none of the above

Question 23

Janie is the youngest child in a large family. Her relatives all live down the street from Janie but Janie refuses to visit anyone, even for Thanksgiving dinner. According to Bowen, Janie is displaying:

A) emotional cutoff
B) triangulation
C) disengagement
D) pseudo self

Question 24

When stress levels rise in a family that is of relatively low differentiation, which of the following is likely to be observed?

A) problems in the couple relationship
B) dysfunction in a child
C) dysfunction in one of the partners
D) all of the above are possible

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT likely to be characteristic of a Bowenian family therapist?

A) joins with the family
B) maintains an "I" position
C) relies on objective thought and observation rather than empathy
D) relates in a genuine manner

Question 26

Family systems theories are often criticized for

A) allowing the client to "control" the direction of the therapy
B) the role of the therapist as the "expert" and client as "passive"
C) both the client and therapist being considered "experts"
D) its relatively "loose" application of constructivism

Question 27

Which of the following are true regarding the use of detriangling?

A) one needs to be in continual contact with two other family members around the issue
B) you can't take sides with either of the other members or defend yourself
C) it is best practiced when there is some form of emotional upswing in the family
D) all of the above

Question 28

Theorists from which of the following orientations tend to be the harshest critics of family systems theories:

A) Person-centered
B) Behaviorism
C) Gestalt
D) Feminist therapy

Question 29

Clinicians who are concerned with cultural biases that are inherent with theories such as family systems theories tend to criticize them for:

A) the narrow definition of family
B) the emphasis that is placed on separation from the family
C) Bowen's "bias" toward working with inner city youth
D) both a and b are criticisms of family systems theories

Question 30

Which of the following theorists would most closely match the philosophy of human nature adopted by Virginia Satir?

A) Sigmund Freud
B) Carl Rogers
C) Albert Ellis
D) Aaron Beck

Question 31

Minuchin's theory of personality development tends to focus on

A) feedback that the identified patient receives from the other family members
B) implications of being a member of a triangle within a family
C) the development of the family rather than each individual within the family
D) Minuchin does not propose a theory of personality development