MH- Chapter 35

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of a double bind on an individual?

Heightened emotional responsiveness

Enhanced decision-making abilities

Confusion, entrapment, and immobility (correct)

Increased self-awareness and clarity

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'family life cycle'?

The progression of a family through various stages of development over time (correct)

The geographical location of a family unit

The emotional bonds between family members

The financial stability of a family over the years

In the context of family systems, what does 'hierarchy' primarily refer to?

The emotional closeness among family members

The frequency of communication within the family

The structure of power and roles, including parental and sibling roles (correct)

The chronological age of the family members

Which pattern is most closely associated with multigenerational or intergenerational issues?

Patterns of emotional interaction passed down from previous generations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of scapegoating in a family?

To divert attention from the issues of those doing the blaming (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'sociocultural context' in the context of family systems?

The framework viewing the family through the lens of gender, race, class, and religion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for a family to engage in triangulation?

To balance anxiety, distance, or conflict by involving a third party (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a double bind?

A parent telling their child to always be honest, and then gets angry at them for confessing to a mistake (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a family structure, which of the following best describes a nuclear family?

Children living with two parents who are married to each other and are each the biological or adoptive parents to all the children in the family. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which family type is characterized by children living with one biological/adoptive parent and that parent's spouse?

Blended family/stepfamily (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'diffuse' boundaries within a family?

Unclear and lacking independence, with co-dependency. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which family function is primarily associated with making decisions, allocating resources, and setting rules?

Management (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of 'rigid' boundaries in a family?

Strict adherence to expectations with limited room for discussion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which communication style involves adding irrelevant information to divert attention?

Distracting (B) Signup and view all the answers

In family therapy, which term describes a family member regarded as the 'problem'?

Identified patient (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a family with 'clear' boundaries, what is a typical characteristic?

Adaptability, with understanding of expectations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do families with 'diffuse' boundaries tend to view individual self-identity?

Discouraged and blurred within the family unit. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of 'enmeshed' family boundaries?

A blending of roles, thoughts and feelings making boundaries indistinct. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a childless family?

Partners living together typically working together (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'triangulation' in family dynamics?

A two against one dynamic, bringing a third person into a conflict. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication does the following example represent: 'This issue is a problem for everyone, and no one is to blame.'

Generalizing (B) Signup and view all the answers

When is family therapy considered potentially not beneficial or even harmful?

If there is risk of emotional or physical harm. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of family therapy?

Increasing family dysfunction. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'double bind' typically involve?

Two or more conflicting messages between people. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Family Structure

Nuclear family: Children live with two married biological/adoptive parents.
Single parent family: Children live with one biological/adoptive parent, regardless of gender.
Unmarried biological/adoptive family: Children live with two unmarried biological/adoptive parents.
Blended family/stepfamily: Children live with one biological/adoptive parent and their spouse.
Cohabitating family: Children live with one biological/adoptive parent and their unmarried partner.
Extended family: Children live with at least one biological/adoptive parent and another adult relative (e.g., grandparent, sibling).
Grandparent family: Children live with one or more grandparents.
Childless family: Partners who live together, work together, and actively involve themselves with pets, other children, or friends.
Other families: Children live with non-biological/adoptive adults (e.g., grandparents, foster families).

Family Functions

Management: Typically involves parents making decisions, allocating resources, creating rules, and managing finances. This can be particularly challenging in single-parent or dysfunctional families.
Boundaries: Clear boundaries define expectations, are flexible, and allow family members to understand each other. Diffuse boundaries lack clarity and independence. Rigid boundaries are inflexible.

Family Dynamics

Co-dependency: Family members rely heavily on each other, with no clear authority figure.
Differentiation: Discouraging self-identity and differing opinions, potentially blurring parent-child relationships.
Rigidity: Adherence to strict expectations, no room for discussion or change.

Dysfunctional Communication

Manipulating: Actions designed to influence another person, often in an underhanded way.
Distracting: Adding irrelevant information to diffuse conflict.
Generalizing: Using overly broad statements.
Blaming: Placing responsibility for problems on others instead of oneself.
Placating: Attempting to appease others to avoid conflict.

Family Therapy Concepts

Identified patient: The person seen as the "problem", focusing on the family's concerns.
Triangulation: Bringing a third person into the problem to balance anxiety and conflict.

Risk and Benefits of Family Therapy

Risks: Harm or emotional distress for a family member.
Benefits: Reducing dysfunctional behaviours, resolving conflicts, mobilizing resources, increasing awareness, and improving family functioning.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge about various family structures! This quiz covers different types of families, including nuclear, single parent, blended, and extended families. Understand the functions and characteristics of each family type to enhance your understanding of family dynamics.