Question 1

Which of the following is an example of a C response (in an ABCX model)?

Accepted Answer

The meaning given to the stressor over time is an example of a C response (in an ABCX model).

Question 2

In crises, families adjust differently. Whether an event becomes a crisis depends upon three of the following factors. Which one is not as important?

Accepted Answer

While the length and type of marriage can certainly have an impact on a family's ability to cope with crises, it is not as important as the other three factors listed. The way a family defines and views the crisis, their history with crises, and how the event affects their roles, flexibility, and resources are all crucial in determining how they will adjust to the crisis.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a factor in the model of family stress?

Accepted Answer

The size of the family is not considered a factor in the model of family stress. The other three options - the stressor event, the family's definition of the event, and the family's crisis meeting resources - are all important factors in the model.

Question 4

Some spouses whose partners are in nursing homes suffering from Alzheimer's redefine their couple relationship and describe themselves as:

Accepted Answer

This term reflects the reality that the spouse is still legally married, but their partner's condition has caused their relationship to change drastically. They often feel a sense of loss and mourning for the person their partner used to be, even though they are still alive. This term acknowledges the complexity of their situation and the emotional toll it takes.

Question 5

Bill mourned for Nellie for over a year. After his wife died, he didn't seem to care to live. Gradually he began to function in his old, sure ways. He decided to take a trip and later to sell the farm and close out the house and part with furniture and mementos of forty-seven years. These behaviors nonverbally signal that Bill has moved from one crisis stage to another. In which stage is he when he moves away from "the old home?"

Accepted Answer

Bill's decision to sell the farm and close out the house and part with furniture and mementos of forty-seven years is a signal of his movement into the reorganization stage of grief. This stage is characterized by a focus on rebuilding one's life and moving forward, which Bill's actions demonstrate.

Question 6

Which statement best describes a life course perspective about unpredictable stresses?

Accepted Answer

A life course perspective acknowledges that unpredictable stresses, such as death or disabilities, can have a significant impact on individuals and families. However, the timing and outcomes of these stresses cannot be predicted, as they are not bound by a strict developmental timetable. Rather, the effects of such events depend on the specific circumstances and how they impact the family members' developmental trajectories. Therefore, option C best describes the life course perspective on unpredictable stresses. Option A is incorrect because not all stressful events follow a strict life cycle timetable. Option B is incorrect because unpredictable stresses can still lead to significant changes and adaptations in the family. Option D is incorrect because a life course perspective does not necessarily view change as a sequence of stages.

Question 7

According to recent research, stress is a multifaceted phenomenon with various levels of change for coping. Which level is it when family members change their basic assumptions about life and accept values and ideas they previously ignored or opposed?

Accepted Answer

This level refers to fundamental change in basic assumptions and values. Therefore, the best choice is Level III, since it involves a shift in core beliefs and values that were previously ignored or opposed. Level I refers to surface-level coping mechanisms, while Level II involves more substantial coping strategies that may include changing priorities and goals. Level IV involves the most significant changes, including a complete re-evaluation of one's life and purpose.

Question 8

Which of the following is the best example of experiencing ambiguous loss?

Accepted Answer

Ambiguous loss refers to a situation of loss where there is no clear closure or resolution. In option B, spouses of Alzheimer's patients experience an ambiguous loss because their loved ones are physically present, but their memory loss means that they no longer recognize or remember their spouse. This can create feelings of grief, anxiety, and uncertainty. The other options refer to more clear-cut losses with more defined endings or outcomes.

Question 9

A particularly salient dialectical tension experienced by parents whose child has died is:

Accepted Answer

The decision to grieve separately or together is a particularly salient dialectical tension experienced by parents whose child has died. While some parents may feel the need to grieve separately in order to process their grief in their own way, others may feel the need to grieve together and find strength in each other during this difficult time. It's important for parents to communicate and find a balance between individual and shared grieving processes. The other options may also be tensions experienced by parents who have lost a child, but they may not be as salient or universal as the decision to grieve separately or together.

Question 10

After Jen learned that she was going to be fired from her job, she went through many stages of crisis and coping. During the _______ stage, she was very angry at her boss and herself. She found herself to get frustrated easily and be quite impatient during the day.

Accepted Answer

The recoil stage often involves feelings of anger, frustration, and impatience as individuals begin to react emotionally to the crisis, which aligns with Jen's described behavior.

Question 11

A family's ability to do well in the face of adversity is called _____.

Accepted Answer

Resilience refers to a family's ability to bounce back and thrive despite facing challenges and adversity. Cohesion and support, while important for family functioning, do not necessarily speak to a family's ability to cope with adversity. Esteem refers to self-esteem or self-worth, and is not directly related to the family's ability to manage challenges.

Question 12

Which one of the following stages of family crisis is marked by blaming, anger, and bargaining?

Accepted Answer

The stage marked by blaming, anger, and bargaining is the Recoil stage. This is the stage where family members may start to point fingers and place blame for the crisis, leading to heightened emotions and potential conflicts.

Question 13

Xavier's family just found out that his youngest sister has cancer. They have the finances to pay for the treatment that will cure the cancer. Which component of the ABCX does this represent?

Accepted Answer

The situation of the youngest sister having cancer represents the B component, which refers to the family's perception of the stressor event. It is not the A component because the event itself (cancer diagnosis) is not the stressor, but the family's perception of it is. It is not the C component because the family's ability to cope or resources they have is not mentioned. X refers to the resources or support that the family has to cope with the stressor, which is not mentioned in the scenario.

Question 14

The severity of stress depends, in part, upon the family's resources and their interpretation of the events surrounding the stressor event.

Accepted Answer

The resources and interpretation of the stressor event can greatly impact the severity of stress experienced by a family.

Question 15

The accumulation of stressors affects most families in the same way.

Accepted Answer

Every family is unique and thus different stressors affect them differently. Some families may be able to handle stressors better than others due to differences in coping mechanisms, support systems, and resources.

Question 16

Experience with crises becomes a resource when a family suffers again.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. When a family experiences a crisis, they often develop skills and coping mechanisms to help them navigate similar situations in the future. This experience becomes a valuable resource in dealing with future crises.

Question 17

Maladaptation, an outcome of the family's stress over time, refers to the positive outcomes of managing the stress.

Accepted Answer

Maladaptation refers to negative outcomes or poor coping mechanisms developed by the family due to prolonged stress.

Question 18

Resilient families are those that rely heavily on each other rather than community or religious support systems.

Accepted Answer

Resilient families often utilize a wide range of support systems, including community and religious resources, to navigate challenges effectively.

Question 19

Rituals for dealing with death may help family members through the grieving process.

Accepted Answer

Rituals can provide a sense of structure and meaning to the grieving process, helping family members feel supported and providing a sense of closure.

Question 20

Instead of dissolving a family system, divorce alters it.

Accepted Answer

Divorce changes the dynamics of a family system, but it does not necessarily dissolve the family altogether. The family may continue to exist in a different form, such as two separate households, co-parenting arrangements, or blended families.

Quiz 11: Family Communication and Unpredictable Stress

Which of the following is an example of a C response (in an ABCX model) ?