Question 1

According to Smith and Hamon, a double bind

Accepted Answer

A double bind, as described by Smith and Hamon, is indeed a type of pathological communication that occurs when a person is given two contradictory commands, creating distress because obeying one command necessitates disobeying the other.

Question 2

According to Smith and Hamon, which is a critique of systems theory?

Accepted Answer

Smith and Hamon critique systems theory for being too vague for true testing, too global and abstract, and not effectively predicting from propositions, making all the provided options valid critiques of the theory.

Question 3

Adopting a family systems perspective means

Accepted Answer

A family systems perspective encompasses understanding an individual within the context of their family, analyzing the relationships among family members rather than focusing on one individual, recognizing that behaviors can have different functions in different contexts, and acknowledging that changes within any part of the system can impact the entire system.

Question 4

According to Smith and Hamon, which of the following assumptions about systems theory is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

All of the choices (A, B, C, D) accurately reflect assumptions about systems theory according to Smith and Hamon. Systems theory emphasizes the interdependence of parts within a whole, viewing problems or behaviors as emerging from within the system's dynamics rather than from individual pathology.

Question 5

From the family systems perspective, psychopathology or dysfunctional behavior results from a struggle

Accepted Answer

The family systems perspective views psychopathology or dysfunctional behavior as arising from struggles between persons within a family system, rather than focusing solely on individual internal conflicts or past experiences.

Question 6

Which family role is most likely to be played by the eldest child?

Accepted Answer

The eldest child is often seen as the "hero" within the family dynamics, typically assuming responsibilities, setting an example for younger siblings, and often striving to meet or exceed parental expectations. This role involves being reliable, conscientious, and mature for their age.

Question 7

A mother asks her family, "What do you want me to make for dinner tomorrow, lasagna or pot roast?" The kids say they would like lasagna, to which the mom angrily responds, "You don't like my pot roast?" This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a double bind, where the children are given a choice, but any choice they make is wrong or leads to a negative outcome. The mother's angry response to their preference puts them in a no-win situation, characteristic of a double bind.

Question 8

Dad has had a heart attack and the family has gathered at the hospital to await news from the doctor. The sister was the last to arrive as she had to drive in from out of town. As she walks into the hospital room, the brother exclaims, "I'm so glad you're here! I have kept everything as lighthearted as possible but we need someone who can help us figure out what to do when the doctor gives us out options and that person is you!" What role does the sister play in this family?

Accepted Answer

The sister is seen as the "hero" in the family, someone who is relied upon to make decisions and provide guidance during difficult times, as indicated by the brother's statement about needing her to help figure out what to do when the doctor gives them options.

Question 9

Caroline, an adult daughter, reduced her work hours to provide care to her father, Don. Don has been living with Caroline and her family for the last several months, since his stroke. Caroline, always the responsible child, looks forward to her brother John's visit each week so that she can get some errands done outside of the home. John has a way of lifting everyone's spirits with his wit and sense of humor. What role does brother John play in this family?

Accepted Answer

John is described as lifting everyone's spirits with his wit and sense of humor, which aligns with the role of "The clown" in family dynamics, often using humor to lighten the family's mood.

Question 10

Alicia and Chris have been arguing a lot at home and are contemplating divorce. Cooper hears them arguing but hides in the hallway so they don't know he can hear them. One day the principal from Cooper's school calls the parents in for a conference and reports that Cooper has been acting out in school and hit another boy during an argument. The family seeks therapy at the suggestion of the principal. Alicia starts the session by saying they have come for help because Cooper is having problems at school. Which of the following terms would describe the role of Cooper?

Accepted Answer

Cooper is described as the "identified patient" because he is the family member identified by the family or others as having the symptom or problem, leading them to seek therapy. This term does not imply that Cooper is the cause of the family's problems, but rather that he is the one manifesting symptoms or behaviors that prompt the family to seek help.

Question 11

Marcia's parents have never told her what to do or how to behave. She is driving now and has no curfew, can drive whenever she wants, wherever she wants, and can invite friends to her house or go to their houses without permission. Marcia's family has which kind of boundaries?

Accepted Answer

Marcia's family has random boundaries, characterized by a lack of clear rules or guidelines, allowing her to make her own decisions without parental input or restrictions.

Question 12

Sam's family has an unwritten rule that you do not invite people over without approval from his parents. One day at school Sam has a friend, Charlie, whose dad was supposed to pick him up but got stuck at the airport and is going to be a few hours late. The school buses have already left, so Sam tells Charlie he can come home with him until his dad gets home, even though Sam could not get in touch with his parents to seek permission. While Sam's parents are polite to Charlie, they tell Sam in private that he is grounded for a week for inviting Charlie over without their permission. What is Sam's punishment an example of?

Accepted Answer

Sam's punishment is an example of negative feedback because it is a response aimed at discouraging a specific behavior (inviting someone over without permission) by applying a negative consequence (being grounded).

Question 13

Laura and Mike have been fighting about how to spend their money. When Laura forces the conversation Mike retreats and refuses to talk about it. Then Laura pushes even more, at which point Mike leaves the house. Systems theory would suggest which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

Systems theory focuses on patterns of interaction between individuals rather than placing blame on one party. It suggests that the issue lies in the communication pattern itself, not necessarily the topic of conversation or the individuals' specific actions.

Question 14

While a pizza has its individual ingredients like sauce, pepperoni, crust, and cheese, the product you get when you put them all together and bake them is different than the individual ingredients with which you started. This is an example of which basic assumption?

Accepted Answer

The concept that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" reflects the idea that when individual elements are combined, they create something that has different properties or characteristics than the individual elements on their own. This is exemplified by the pizza analogy, where the combination of ingredients results in a product that is distinct from just the sum of its ingredients.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of the dimensions of the Circumplex Model?

Accepted Answer

The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems focuses on three primary dimensions: cohesion, flexibility, and communication. Equilibrium is not one of the dimensions identified in this model.

Question 16

Match: Based on David Kantor and William Lehr's (1975) classic work Inside the Family, match the "four player parts" with their correct definition.
-The mover

Accepted Answer

The "mover" in Kantor and Lehr's framework is defined as the person who initiates action within a group or family dynamic.

Question 17

Match: Based on David Kantor and William Lehr's (1975) classic work Inside the Family, match the "four player parts" with their correct definition.
-The opposer

Accepted Answer

The opposer disapproves of the mover's action and tries to block it.

Question 18

Match: Based on David Kantor and William Lehr's (1975) classic work Inside the Family, match the "four player parts" with their correct definition.
-The follower

Accepted Answer

The follower approves of the mover's actions or the opposer's reaction, supporting the direction being taken.

Question 19

Match: Based on David Kantor and William Lehr's (1975) classic work Inside the Family, match the "four player parts" with their correct definition.
-The bystander

Accepted Answer

The bystander, according to Kantor and Lehr's model, observes the actions but does not actively support or oppose the actions of the mover or the opposer, making them a passive participant in the dynamics.

Question 20

Have students identify circular patterns they have in their own families of origin or their families of creation, or even among their friendships. Discuss why the patterns exist and what can be done to change or modify them.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Have students identify circular patterns they have...

Quiz 5: Ecological Systems Theory