Which of the following family dynamics is suggestive of ...

[tsand2]

Which of the following family dynamics is suggestive of dysfunction?
 
  A) A father assists his teenage daughter in preparing a resume for a part-time job since she has little experience in such matters.
  B) A mother depends on her young son for her emotional needs since experiencing abandonment by her former partner.
  C) Two boys, aged 8 and 10, are expected to forego visits to their friends' houses on Sunday mornings so that the family can attend church.
  D) An 11-year-old boy has become increasingly dependent on his mother in the weeks of his transition to middle school.

Question 2

Against her wishes, a 14-year-old daughter has accompanied her parents to a family therapy session. Ongoing marital problems had prompted the parents to seek weekly counseling, though this is the first time that their daughter has attended.
 
  Which of the nursetherapist's statements provides the best rationale for the daughter's attendance at this therapy session?
 
  A) Even though your parents started coming for help because of their relationship with each other, a problem in one part of the family affects everyone in the family.
  B) Your parents and I are hoping that we can teach you some conflict management strategies that you can use to intervene when your parents disagree at home.
  C) Part of your responsibility as a member of a family is to devote time and energy to helping others, including your parents' marriage.
  D) Even though none of this has a direct impact on you, we all believe that you deserve to be informed about what is happening in your parents' marriage.

[welcom1000]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
In dysfunctional families, children and adults may perform functions that are inappropriate to their age or role in the family. This is evident when a young child is expected to emotionally support a parent. The other examples of cohesiveness and emotional and practical assistance are characteristic of healthy functioning families.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
If there is a breakdown in the system, all members are affected. Thus, a change or disruption in one family member affects the family system and all its members. This does not mean, however, that children are responsible for fixing or mediating their parents' relationship.

[tsand2]

TYSM

[Liddy]

Excellent