chapter 3

Question 1

theories discussed in this text

Answer 1

family systems theory
social constructionism
relational dialectics
narrative

Question 2

views families as a set of inter-related components where a change in one part effects every other part

Answer 2

family systems theory

Question 3

family systems constructs

Answer 3

• interdependence
• wholeness
• patterns/self-regulation
• interactive complexity/ punctuation

Question 4

the behavior of each family member is related to and dependent upon behavior of the others

Answer 4

interdependence

Question 5

parts are understood in the context of the whole

Answer 5

wholeness

Question 6

calibration

feedback

Answer 6

patterns/ self regulation

Question 7

monitoring and correcting to maintain stability

Answer 7

calibration

Question 8

each act triggers and responds to previous behavior, “ rendering pointless any attempt to assign cause or effect
-circular causality

Answer 8

interactive complexity/ punctuation

Question 9

positive feedback promotes

Answer 9

change

Question 10

negative feedback promotes

Answer 10

maintenance

Question 11

relates to the embedded nature of human systems and how the boundaries are managed

Answer 11

openness

Question 12

systems embedded within systems

Answer 12

complex systems

Question 13

the end may be achieved through different means

Answer 13

equifinality

Question 14

gender issues

individual issues

Answer 14

limitations of systems theory

Question 15

people make sense of the world by constructing explanations through language of how it works

Answer 15

the construction of meaning

Question 16

the construction of meaning includes

Answer 16

• descriptions
• explanations
• accounts

Question 17

shared meanings are

Answer 17

co-constructed

Question 18

the formation of new families begins

Answer 18

the negotiation process

Question 19

humans act towards things on the basis of the meanings that the things have for them

Answer 19

symbolic interaction

Question 20

the family is a _____making system

Answer 20

meaning

Question 21

poses that family systems/member experience “tensions” between contradictory “impulses”

Answer 21

dialectics theory

Question 22

dialectics are _____and located in the ________

Answer 22

interactional

context of the family

Question 23

core concepts of dialectics theory

Answer 23

totality
contradiction
motion
praxis

Question 24

wholeness and interdependence with recognition of social and cultural context

Answer 24

totality

Question 25

family communications are informed by oppositions

Answer 25

contradiction

Question 26

family relationships are fluid and change over time

Answer 26

motion

Question 27

family members are active choice makers

Answer 27

praxis

Question 28

simultaneous, conflicting desires to be independent and intimate

Answer 28

autonomy/ connection

Question 29

simultaneous, conflicting desires of vulnerability and protection

Answer 29

openness/ protection

Question 30

simultaneous, conflicting desires for stability and change

Answer 30

novelty/ predictability

Question 31

favoring one desire at one time and the polar opposite at another

Answer 31

cyclic alternation

Question 32

favoring one pole in one domain life and the polar other in another

Answer 32

segmentation

Question 33

choosing one pole over the other

Answer 33

selection

Question 34

fusing the poles

Answer 34

integration

Question 35

three techniques for integration

Answer 35

neutralizing reframing disqualifying

Question 36

compromising

Answer 36

neutralizing

Question 37

transforming the dialectic so that they no longer appear to be contradictory

Answer 37

reframing

Question 38

exempting certain issues from the general pattern

Answer 38

disqualifying