Marriage and Family Study Guide Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing key concepts from the Marriage and Family Study Guide.

What is homeostasis in the context of family systems?

A state of equilibrium between the need for change and the need to control change to maintain the integrity of the system.

What is the definition of a 'position' within a social structure?

A location within a social structure, containing a number of roles.

What is a 'role' in the context of social structures?

A more or less related set of expectations attached to a position in a social structure.

What are 'rules' in family dynamics?

Organized, established patterns of interaction enabling each person to learn what is expected of them.

What does reconciliation refer to?

The act of two people coming together following separation.

What is a family scapegoat?

The family member, sometimes the IP, who is cast in a role that exposes him/her to criticism, blame, punishment or scorn.

What are the consequences of only positive feedback in a family system?

Chaotic unpredictability

What are the consequences of only negative feedback in a family system?

Extreme Rigidity

 What is the impact of having both types of feedback?

Stability combined with flexibility = HEALTH.

How does negative feedback operate in a system?

In a “corrective” manner; deviation counteracting tendency, to maintain order and stability.

How does positive feedback operate in a system?

It leads to further change by augmenting or accelerating the initial deviation, promoting change.

What is physical custody?

The child lives with the parent; can be joint custody with split time.

What is legal custody?

One parent or guardian has the responsibility to make decisions on behalf of the child (can be sole or joint).

What is the leading cause of bad outcomes for children of divorce?

Parental conflict

What are the rules of the Double Bind for the child?

2 or more members,

a repeated experience/message,

a primary negative injunction & a 2nd interjection conflicting w/ 1st,

no availability for clarifying or checking out

How can a triangle “benefit” a system?

Marital relationship is maintained; husband and wife do not have to deal with their own risky issues.

Name the key issues of cooperative parenting of divorce?

Treating it like a business 

Financial and living arrangements,

resolving feelings and concerns about the previous marriage,

anticipating parenting changes and decisions

How do boys and girls prefer to interact with their step parents?

Both boys and girls prefer verbal affection (ex. praises or compliments) rather than physical closeness, like hugs and kisses.

What percentage of all children in the US will live in a step-family before age 18?

33% of all U.S.

How long should it take a step-family to adjust?

2-4 years

What does Bray say is the most difficult aspect of the step-family?

Parenting in Stepfamilies

In the Utah survey on divorce, what did more men than women say?

They wished they had worked harder to save their marriage (30% vs. 12%).

How do Egalitarians view the word Kephale and why that is important to their argument?

means “source”

What is the Larry Crabb’s view of headship and submission?

A wife and a husband’s freedom and authority is the same: to wisely use their personal resource of their being on behalf of their spouse

Name the 4 drawbacks of a custody battle

1) Very high emotional cost for the children

2) Very high financial cost for parents

3) Very high emotional cost for parents

4) Commits couple to air all “dirty laundry”

Name 5 of the 10 communication principles given in class.

1) Be direct rather than “covert.”

2) Mean what you say.

3) Use “I messages” or “I statements.”

4) Avoid global generalizations.

5) Stick to the topic

6) Dialogues are better than monologues

7) Take Responsibility

8) Apologize

9) Do not require the other person to “get it.”

10) Perspective is the key to communication

Name 3 of the potential drawbacks to Natural Family Planning (memorize)

Disadvantages

1) This method may not work well for certain situations

2) it takes a while to get used to this method

3) Requires more attention + effort than pill

4) Many Doctors do not support this which can lead to higher failure rates

How often do people divorce without high conflict in the marriage?

½ of all divorces 

Know the difference between a traditionalist and an Egalitarian

Egalitarians believe in the equality of male-female roles, with the role being determined by an individual's gifts

Traditional = Headship and submission are from God. It is a product of God’s proper ordering of an ordinance He created