Question 1

Which conceptual framework studies families as an interconnected group or system?

Accepted Answer

The family systems framework studies families as an interconnected group or system, with each member affecting and being affected by the others. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how the family functions as a whole, rather than just focusing on individual members in isolation.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an element of family systems theory?

Accepted Answer

Family systems theory viewed the family system as a whole, where each member's behavior and emotions are interconnected and affect the entire family system. Therefore, treating/viewing each member independently is not considered an element of family systems theory.

Question 3

Carl Whitaker's comment that "there are no individuals in the world-only fragments of families" suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Whitaker's comment emphasizes the idea that individuals are best understood in the context of their family dynamics and influences, suggesting that family background plays a crucial role in shaping individual behavior and thought processes.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a conceptual framework of marriage and family dynamics?

Accepted Answer

The interaction dynamics framework is not a recognized conceptual framework of marriage and family dynamics. Family systems, symbolic interactions, and social construction frameworks are all commonly used in the field.

Question 5

An example of appreciation and affection is:

Accepted Answer

A pat on the back is a physical gesture that shows appreciation and affection towards someone. It is a way of acknowledging someone's efforts and showing that you care about them. Disciplining children and expressing ethical values may be important, but they are not necessarily examples of appreciation and affection. Avoiding blame is also not necessarily an example of appreciation and affection, as it may simply be a way of avoiding conflict.

Question 6

From a family systems theory perspective,when a child of a single parent constantly gets in trouble at school:

Accepted Answer

Family systems theory operates on the premise that each member of a family unit plays a role in the overall functioning of the unit. Therefore, the problem cannot be solely attributed to the child or the teacher. The child's behavior may be a symptom of a larger issue within the family system, and it is possible that the noncustodial parent's absence or involvement may also be contributing to the problem. Thus, all members of the family, regardless of custody arrangements, should be considered when assessing and addressing the child's behavior at school.

Question 7

Interactions that push family members apart and increase separateness are called:

Accepted Answer

Centrifugal interactions are those that create distance or separation between family members, whereas centripetal interactions bring family members closer together. Disequilibria refers to imbalances or instability within a family, and chaotic interactions imply a lack of order or predictability within family relationships.

Question 8

Flexibility is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Flexibility refers to the ability of the family to balance stability and change, allowing for adaptations to meet new challenges and situations. Option B refers to interdependent relationships, which may be a component of flexibility, but is not the definition of flexibility itself. Option C refers to changes to the family structure, which may require flexibility, but is not an all-encompassing definition of flexibility either.

Question 9

After her father loses everything in a bad financial deal Ramona finds that this adversity has brought her family closer together.This is an example of a _____ interaction.

Accepted Answer

A centripetal interaction brings people or things closer together, while a centrifugal interaction pulls them apart. In this scenario, the family coming together after a financial struggle is a centripetal interaction. Option C, disequilibria, refers to a situation where there is an imbalance, and option D, chaotic, suggests a state of confusion and disorder, neither of which applies to this scenario.

Question 10

According to family systems theorists,an open family system is one in which:

Accepted Answer

An open family system is one in which family members are open to change and growth. This means that the family is not resistant to change and is willing to adapt to new situations and circumstances. In an open family system, family members are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings and work together to resolve conflicts and build positive relationships.

Question 11

Interactions that pull family members together and increase closeness are called:

Accepted Answer

Centripetal interactions are those that bring family members together and increase their closeness. This can include activities such as eating meals together, participating in group activities, and sharing emotional experiences. Centrifugal interactions, on the other hand, push family members apart and create distance. Disequilibria and chaotic interactions are not specific to family dynamics.

Question 12

Family therapists agree that there should be a healthy balance of separateness and _____ to best work through a crisis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Family therapists agree that there should be...

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a family strength?

Accepted Answer

All of these are examples of family strengths. Appreciation and affection help to create a positive and supportive family environment. Positive communication allows family members to express themselves in a respectful and productive manner. Effective coping with stress helps families to overcome challenges and come out stronger.

Question 14

Ramon recently lost his younger brother in a tragic accident.The loss of his sibling has pushed family members apart and made them feel very separate from each other.This is an example of a _____ interaction.

Accepted Answer

A centrifugal interaction refers to a force or influence that pulls individuals or groups away from each other. In this case, the tragic loss of Ramon's younger brother has caused the family members to feel separate and distant from each other, which is a centrifugal force.

Question 15

Which of the following would best aid an individual in building a strong family?

Accepted Answer

Enjoying time together helps build strong family bonds and fosters communication and understanding among family members.

Question 16

George and Ellen Rottweiler encourage their adult daughter Guinevere to break her engagement and continue living in their home,saying,"You're so bright and attractive; you can find a better guy than this." A family systems theorist would term this:

Accepted Answer

Negative feedback in family systems theory refers to responses aimed at discouraging changes in the system or maintaining the status quo. In this case, George and Ellen are discouraging Guinevere from changing her relationship status and leaving the family home, thus aiming to maintain the current family structure.

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of commitment from the family strengths model?

Accepted Answer

Sexual fidelity is an example of commitment as it involves loyalty and dedication to one's partner, which is a key aspect of the family strengths model.

Question 18

The family strengths framework (2006)was proposed by:

Accepted Answer

The family strengths framework was proposed by DeFrain et al., focusing on identifying and understanding the qualities that make families strong and resilient.

Question 19

Which of the following is a model of couples and families?

Accepted Answer

Family systems theory is a model of couples and families that emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of family members and the ways in which they influence each other's behaviors and emotions. Flexibility, cohesion, and violence are all concepts within the family systems theory model, but they do not encompass the entire model.

Question 20

A family's flexibility relates to its ability to:

Accepted Answer

A family's flexibility refers to its ability to adapt to changes and adjust as needed. This can include sharing power, adjusting rules, and switching roles. Therefore, all of these options (A, B, and C) contribute to a family's flexibility.

Quiz 3: Understanding Marriage and Family Dynamics