Exam 9: Family Theories

When comparing role relationships, theorists generally consider which to be the most stable type relationship over time?

In structural family theory, enduring family structures which are resistant to change are developed from

The husband in a marriage is a personable extrovert who tells funny stories. The wife is an appreciative listener. This is an example of a role set.

Overinvolvement with another individual in the family, resulting in loss of clear identity, which is a result of diffuse boundaries, is

The concept of turbulence at the interface is characterized by two important effects on communication. One of those is information distortion, the other is

Social or emotional detachment from another person is

Sending a message about a message refers to

How do family roles in the family of origin influence the subsequent development of self? Explore whether we are determined in our development by the roles in our family of origin. Explore the process of role making in adolescents and adults.

How does the family of origin influence the patterns in our family of procreation? Explore whether family processes can be changed. Explore the process of assessing one's own family and assessing strengths and weaknesses. Explore the processes by which one can make rational choices about constructing family processes.

A couple that argues over parenting issues, then allows those differences to affect their affection and respect for each other in their spousal role is not maintaining the subsystem's

Relatively minor adjustments in attitudes and behavior made in response to the needs of others in a role set is

Minuchin describes four family subsystems. Which of the following is not one of these subsystems?

The reduction of tension within a dyad by involving a third person is

Do family communication patterns determine our own style of communication? Explore the concept of double bind communication. Explore the concept of passive- aggressive communication versus responsible communication. Explore ways of clarifying and improving communications within families.

How do enmeshment and differentiation influence personality development? Explore the concept of the 'undifferentiated ego mass.' Contrast interpersonal and emotional differentiation. Explore whether enmeshment is ever functional.

Rigid boundaries within a family system can create social isolation because of the absence of needed social transactions between family members. This condition is called

How has the evolution of society changed the role structure of families? Explore the changes I the workplace. Explore the need for two family earners. Explore the prevalence of blended families and 'serial monogamy.' Explore the issues associated with gay marriage.

A factor that influences structure in all families, for example, the need for an executive hierarchy is called

In some dysfunctional families, communication becomes so idiosyncratic that the style of communication within that family almost could be called

In structural family theory, which of the following items is a function of the spousal subsystem that is changing in today's society?