Circumplex Model

Exam 2

Circumplex Model

Therapy model developed to improve couple and family functioning. It bridges theory, research and clinical practice. It’s relation to Systems Theory is that it is the integration of dimensions of model to family systems theory

Major Dimensions of Circumplex Model: Cohesion

a feeling of emotional closeness with another person

Refers to how systems balance their separateness vs. togetherness

Balance couple and family systems are more functional

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Cohesion—indicators

1. I-We balance - individual needs/goals vs groups needs/goals
2. Closeness - emotional bonding/attachment
3. Loyalty - sense of commitment/dedication to unit
4. Dependence-independence - balance

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Cohesion—characteristics

1. Family cohesion refers to togetherness, emotional bonding, and sense of connection that couples and family members have onward one another
2. A family can have too much cohesion (enmeshed family) or too little cohesion (disengaged/disconnected family)
3. A valanced level of cohesion combines a reasonable and mutually satisfying degree of emotional bonding with individual family members’ need for autonomy

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Cohesion—levels

1. Disengaged (unbalanced) - family members are emotionally distant and have limited involvement with each other
2. Separated (balanced) - family members have independence and autonomy but also have emotional closeness and suppor
3. Connected (balanced) - family members are close and supportive of each other but also respect each other’s individuality and independence
4. Enmeshed (unbalanced) - family members are overly involved and have limited individuality or autonomy

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Cohesion—qualities of families

Arrange personal schedules so they can do things together

Have a high degree of commitment to promoting one another’s happiness and welfare

Are able to deal with crisis

Communicate appreciation for one another and display positive communication

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Flexibility

Amount of change that occurs in power structure, leadership, role relationships, and relationship rules

Balanced couples and families are more functional because they can adapt to changing circumstances and needs, while still maintaining a sense of stability and structure

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Flexibility—indicators

1. Change - willing to adapt their roles, routines, and rules as needed
2. Roles - fluid and adaptable approach to roles, allowing members to take on new responsibilities or adjust their contributions as circumstances change
3. Leadership - shift leadership roles depending on the situation or individual strengths, rather than rigidly adhering to traditional gender or age-based roles
4. Discipline - used as a means of teaching and guiding behavior, rather than simply enforcing rules. They may adjust their discipline strategies based on the individual needs and characteristics of their children

Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Flexibility—levels

1. Rigid (unbalanced): low flexibility and a strict adherence to rules, roles, and routines, even when they may no longer be effective or necessary
2. Structured (balanced): moderate flexibility and a balance between stability and adaptability with some degree of negations and compromise
3. Flexible (balanced): high flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whiteout compromising the stability and structure of the family system
4. Chaotic (unbalanced): too much flexibility, little structure or rules, and a lack of consistency in roles and routines, which can lead to confusion, conflict, and instability

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Major Dimensions of the Circumplex Model: Flexibility—qualities

Balance between rigidity and chaos is evident: moderate level of structure and routine, open to change and adaptions

Moderate levels of stability and change: still maintain sense of stability and consistency while being adaptable

Shared understanding of rules and roles within relationships: agreed and understood by all, sense of predictability and stability while allowing flexibility

Major Dimensions for the Circumplex Model: Communication—communication and couple/family satisfaction

Communication facilitates couples and families to manage cohesion and flexibility

Positive communication: expressions of affections, empathy and support

Negative communication: criticism, defensiveness, and contempt

Relationship expectations: couples and families have expectations for both cohesion (closeness and for distance) and flexibility (play their roles); communication = interaction so members can meet expectations

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Summary of effective family communication

1. Listening
2. Speaking
3. Self-disclosure
4. Clarity
5. Staying on topic
6. Respect

A family characterized by warmth, cohesion, flexibility and supportive communication is better for the couple/family

Circumplex Model Assumptions

1. Couples and families with balanced flexibility and cohesion have more positive interactions and outcomes
2. Balanced couples and families are more likely to have positive communication skills which can contribute to more positive interactions and outcomes
3. Positive communication skills can help balanced couples/families change their levels of flexibility and cohesion more easily, as they are better able to adapt to changing circumstances and manage conflicts effectively
4. Families experience predictable stages of development and that he transition between stages are marked by particularly challenges and opportunities for growth

FACES-IV

Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale

Assess cohesion and flexibility dimension of Circumplex Model of Couple and Family Systems

4 primary scales: cohesion, communication, flexibility, and satisfaction

Balanced families, mid-range, and unbalanced families

Goals of Couple and Family Therapy

Overall goal is to change family systems

Focus on balancing separateness and together ness (cohesion)

Focus on balancing stability and change (flexibility)

Focus on approving communication skills

Article Analysis: Circumplex model of marital and family systems: an update

1. Gave overview of Circumplex Model, including dimensions and the development of the model
2. Described the hypothesis of the model: families with balanced levels of cohesion and adaptability are more functional and adaptable to change
3. Explains assessments FACES-IV and Clinical Rating Scale, used to measure family functioning and identify areas of dysfunction
4. Discusses how model has been used for research on family systems and also for family support

Application of Circumplex Model: Turkish adaption of the family adaptability and cohesion scale IV.

1. Application of Circumplex Model to determine cross-cultural validity of FACES-IV within collectivist culture
2. Enmeshed dimension was viewed positive by Turkish families consisten with collectivist culture
3. Showed the importance of cultural factors when using assessment tools to measure family interactions