Question 1

Systems theory has roots in
A) cybernetics.
B) anthropology.
C) biology.
D) all of the above
E) A and C only

Accepted Answer

Systems theory has roots in multiple disciplines, including cybernetics, anthropology, and biology, reflecting its interdisciplinary nature and application across different fields.

Question 2

In family counseling, the first thing a therapist would focus on would be
A) understanding the identified client.
B) redefining the problem as systemic.
C) restoring equilibrium.
D) joining with the family in order to establish mutual causality.
E) none of the above

Accepted Answer

In family counseling, therapists often begin by redefining the problem as systemic to understand how family dynamics contribute to the issue, rather than focusing on an individual.

Question 3

The text authors stated the greatest weakness of systems theory has to do with the idea of
A) goal-directedness.
B) diagnosis.
C) mutual causality.
D) linear progression.
E) homeostasis.

Accepted Answer

The greatest weakness of systems theory is often associated with the concept of mutual causality, which challenges traditional linear cause-and-effect thinking by suggesting that causes and effects are interrelated in a complex, reciprocal manner. This complexity can make it difficult to analyze or predict outcomes within a system.

Question 4

When discussing healthy versus unhealthy families, the text authors pointed out that
A) a corrective strategy to maintain equilibrium is neither good nor bad.
B) families not near the middle of the continuums of rigidity and flexibility are unhealthy.
C) different systems theories have differing views as to what is healthy and what is not.
D) a first order changes most often includes the use of negative feedback as the primary disequilibriating force.
E) A and C only

Accepted Answer

A corrective strategy to maintain equilibrium in a family system is considered a neutral tool; it can be used in both healthy and unhealthy ways depending on the context and execution. Additionally, systems theories, which include various perspectives on family dynamics, indeed have differing views on what constitutes a healthy versus an unhealthy family. This diversity in theoretical perspectives acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of family health.

Question 5

The degree to which information is allowed to enter and leave the system is referred to as
A) openness/closedness.
B) flexibility/rigidity.
C) responsiveness/unresponsiveness.
D) elasticity/pliability.
E) permeability/unpermeability.

Accepted Answer

Openness/closedness refers to how much information or resources can flow into or out of a system, indicating the degree of interaction with the environment.

Question 6

The difference between first-order change and second-order change is
A) the amount of time necessary to implement the new strategy.
B) the nature of the difference from the status quo.
C) the amount of energy needed to cause the change.
D) the amount of homeostasis generated.
E) none of the above

Accepted Answer

Second-order change involves a fundamental difference in approach or underlying assumptions, not just a difference in degree or an extension of the first order. It's about changing the very nature of something rather than just improving or altering its current state.

Question 7

The systems counselor's role is to
A) disturb
B) perturb
C) inform
D) all of the above
E) A and B only

Accepted Answer

The systems counselor's role encompasses all of the listed actions: to disturb, perturb, and inform. This multifaceted approach is aimed at facilitating change and growth within the system they are working with.

Question 8

In systems theory, boundaries are
A) equivalent to rules.
B) set up by a system so members can regulate entrance and departure of members from the system.
C) clearly stated, defined, and consciously acknowledged by all system members.
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of In systems theory, boundaries are
A) equivalent to...

Question 9

Circular causality involves the concept(s) of
A) mutual influence.
B) mutual responsibility.
C) interpersonal problems.
D) all of the above
E) A and B only

Accepted Answer

Circular causality involves mutual influence and mutual responsibility, as it emphasizes how individuals in a system affect each other reciprocally.

Question 10

Systemic thinking shifts the focus of responsibility from the identified patient to
A) the patient's biological system.
B) the patient's environmental system.
C) the patient's social system
D) a family member in the patient's life whose interactions with the patient cause symptoms.
E) none of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of Systemic thinking shifts the focus of responsibility...

Question 11

Satir (1972) used the analogy of a mobile to illustrate the concept of
A) linear causality.
B) holism.
C) circular causality.
D) sculpting.
E) the family constellation.

Accepted Answer

Satir used the analogy of a mobile to illustrate holism, emphasizing how changes in one part of a system affect the whole system, similar to how moving one part of a mobile affects the entire structure.

Question 12

Some families bolster their systemic stability by beating a family member down physically or psychologically, a practice known as
A) scapegoating.
B) victimization.
C) bulllying.
D) shunning.
E) negative feedback.

Accepted Answer

Scapegoating refers to the practice of singling out one family member to blame for problems, thereby stabilizing the system by focusing negativity on that individual, which can involve physical or psychological harm.

Question 13

In systems theory, resistance to therapy
A) is not addressed by the counselor.
B) occurs because the family is trying to maintain equilibrium.
C) is a response to the perturbations caused by the therapist.
D) all of the above
E) B and C only

Accepted Answer

Resistance to therapy in systems theory is understood as occurring because the family is trying to maintain equilibrium (B) and as a response to the perturbations caused by the therapist (C). This perspective views resistance not as something to be ignored but as a natural reaction to the change process being facilitated by the therapist.

Question 14

Which of the following would a systems therapist working with a family not consider an appropriate focus?
A) the extended family
B) the sibling subsystem
C) the church to which the family belongs
D) the church to which the family belongs.
E) All of the above are appropriate foci for a systems therapist.

Accepted Answer

Systems therapy considers a wide range of factors in the client's environment, including extended family, sibling relationships, and community or religious affiliations, as these can all significantly influence the family's dynamics and issues.

Question 15

The goal of family therapy is to
A) help each family member achieve self-actualization.
B) help each family member accomplish developmental goals.
C) help the family challenge irrational beliefs and develop rational ones.
D) help the family develop more adaptive interaction patterns.
E) help the family deconstruct and reconstruct family rules.

Accepted Answer

The primary goal of family therapy is to help the family develop more adaptive interaction patterns, aiming to improve the way family members interact with each other to foster a healthier and more supportive family environment.

Question 16

In systems theory, triangulation is
A) always unhealthy.
B) used by the therapist to enter the family system.
C) a destabilizing force.
D) a technique used to understand a genogram.
E) a cybernetic term that refers primarily to power in a heirarchy.

Accepted Answer

Triangulation in systems theory refers to a situation where a third party is drawn into a conflict or stress between two parties, often used by therapists to understand and enter the family system dynamics.

Question 17

A systems therapist believes
A) the focus of therapy is the pathology of the identified patient.
B) elements of a system are independent of each other.
C) in circular causality rather than linear causality.
D) all of the above
E) B and C only

Accepted Answer

Systems therapists believe in circular causality, which means they see issues as being maintained by a cycle of interactions within the system (e.g., a family), rather than linear causality where one event is seen as the direct cause of another. They do not focus solely on the pathology of the identified patient, nor do they view elements of a system as independent of each other.

Question 18

A person is born into a family. This is the individual's
A) family of origin.
B) family of creation.
C) family of birth.
D) family of genetics.
E) family of destiny.

Accepted Answer

The term "family of origin" refers to the family into which a person is born or adopted, encompassing parents and siblings. It is distinguished from a "family of creation," which is formed through marriage, partnership, or parenthood.

Question 19

Which approch is associated with Murray Bowen?
A) Structural
B) Contextual
C) Strategic
D) Multigenerational
E) Communications

Accepted Answer

Murray Bowen is associated with the Multigenerational approach, which focuses on family dynamics and patterns that are passed down through generations.

Quiz 13: Systems Approaches

Systems theory has roots in

In family counseling, the first thing a therapist would focus on would be

The text authors stated the greatest weakness of systems theory has to do with the idea of

When discussing healthy versus unhealthy families, the text authors pointed out that

The degree to which information is allowed to enter and leave the system is referred to as

The difference between first-order change and second-order change is

The systems counselor's role is to

In systems theory, boundaries are

Circular causality involves the concept(s) of

Systemic thinking shifts the focus of responsibility from the identified patient to

Satir (1972) used the analogy of a mobile to illustrate the concept of

Some families bolster their systemic stability by beating a family member down physically or psychologically, a practice known as

In systems theory, resistance to therapy

Which of the following would a systems therapist working with a family not consider an appropriate focus?

The goal of family therapy is to

In systems theory, triangulation is

A systems therapist believes

A person is born into a family. This is the individual's

Which approch is associated with Murray Bowen?