Question 1

___________ communication can be one of the most contentious issues couples face, as romantic partners often disagree over the division of responsibilities for daily tasks.

Accepted Answer

Instrumental communication refers to the exchange of information regarding tasks and responsibilities, which includes discussions about the division of daily chores among couples, often leading to disagreements.

Question 2

If Jamie begins to view his girlfriend's differences as annoying, he is most likely in the ________ stage of relationship deterioration.

Accepted Answer

In the differentiating stage of relationship deterioration, partners start to see their differences as undesirable or annoying, rather than appreciating and valuing these differences as they might have earlier in the relationship. This stage is characterized by a shift from a unified, couple identity to more individual identities, where differences become more pronounced and significant.

Question 3

When romantic partners enter the ___________ stage of relationship deterioration, they begin to decrease the quality and quantity of their communication with each other.

Accepted Answer

In the circumscribing stage, partners start to reduce the depth and breadth of their communication, setting boundaries on their interactions and sharing less about their thoughts and feelings, which marks the beginning of a deterioration in the relationship.

Question 4

After many years, it is not uncommon for relationships to come into which stage, when partners feel as if they are "going through the motions" and the relationship stops growing?

Accepted Answer

Stagnating stage is when the relationship feels stagnant, partners may feel like they are just going through the motions without growth or progress.

Question 5

Ben and Sasha have not been happy in their relationship for a few months. Sasha finds herself making excuses when Ben goes to kiss or hug her, claiming a migraine or illness. Ben finds reasons not to be home at night; he likes to work late or go out with his friends. Ben and Sasha are most likely in which stage of relationship deterioration?

Accepted Answer

Ben and Sasha are actively avoiding each other, as indicated by Sasha making excuses to avoid physical affection and Ben finding reasons not to be home. This behavior aligns with the Avoiding stage of relationship deterioration, where partners intentionally avoid contact.

Question 6

Our relationships with which of the following groups are distinguished by the depth of our engagement, as well as the fact that they can be both positive and negative forces in our lives?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Our relationships with which of the following...

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT considered an important familial characteristic?

Accepted Answer

Proximity behaviors, which refer to the physical closeness or distance between family members, are not typically considered a core familial characteristic in the same way as legal obligations, role behaviors, and genetic ties. These three aspects are fundamental in defining family structures and relationships, whereas proximity behaviors can vary widely among families without altering their fundamental characteristics.

Question 8

Ruby's father has never been around. He left her mother shortly after Ruby's birth, and only calls to check in on Ruby once or twice a year. He has never sent a birthday card or come to see Ruby in a school show. When Ruby is asked about her father, she simply tells people she doesn't have one. This is because Ruby probably believes that although sharing a __________ makes two people biological relatives, it does not necessarily make them family.

Accepted Answer

Ruby likely believes that sharing a genetic tie (biological connection) with someone does not necessarily make them family, as indicated by her father's absence and lack of involvement in her life.

Question 9

In the film Precious, the title character is physically, sexually, and mentally abused by her mother. In addition to throwing pans at Precious and calling her names, Precious's mother either starves her or forces her to overeat and berates her for going to school. It is clear early in the film that Precious's mother has failed in her _______________ toward her, neglecting her responsibilities to house, feed, educate, and care for her child.

Accepted Answer

Precious's mother fails in her legal obligations, as parents are legally required to provide for the basic needs of their children, including housing, feeding, and education.

Question 10

________ behaviors may include a family living together, taking care of each other, loving each other, and representing themselves as a family to outsiders.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ________ behaviors may include a family living...

Question 11

Your family of ___________ is the family you grew up in, typically consisting of your parents or stepparents and any siblings you have.

Accepted Answer

The term "family of origin" refers to the family you were born or adopted into, typically including your parents or stepparents and siblings. It's the primary environment of your upbringing.

Question 12

One family type that is becoming increasingly common is the ________ family, with two adult partners raising children who are not the biological offspring of both partners.

Accepted Answer

A blended family is one where two adults are raising children who are not the biological offspring of both partners, often due to remarriage or re-partnering after divorce or widowhood.

Question 13

Positions in a family, such as father and son, are based on the structure of your relationships with others, but _________ are based on the social and emotional functions that your behaviors serve within your family.

Accepted Answer

Roles in a family are defined by the social and emotional functions that behaviors serve within the family context, distinguishing them from positions which are based on the structure of relationships.

Question 14

The Jones family is having conflict over where to go for vacation next summer. Mac, the father, is annoyed, blaming his wife Jen for the conflict, because she insisted the decision be based on a vote. Jen is placating everyone, trying to keep them calm. Meanwhile, their son Jett is trying to use logic and reason to persuade everyone to agree to his point of view. His twin Jade is uncomfortable with the entire decision, so she is trying to distract everyone with jokes and offhand comments. This is how most conflicts go in the Jones household, because the Jones family members typically fall into these _________ during conflict episodes.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is "roles" because each family member adopts a consistent behavior or role during conflicts: Mac blames, Jen placates, Jett uses logic, and Jade distracts. These are their roles in how they handle conflict situations.

Question 15

Spending every Halloween scaring trick-or-treaters who come to the door would be an example of a family

Accepted Answer

This activity is a repeated practice associated with a specific occasion (Halloween), making it a ritual rather than just a habit, story, or secret.

Question 16

Jamila loves how every time she brings a new friend by her grandparents' house, her grandfather insists on showing pictures of Jamila as a young ballerina. He will tell humorous details about how she couldn't keep time and could never remember the steps. Despite its numerous re-tellings, this family _________ still makes Jamila and her grandfather laugh as they share their history.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is "story" because the context involves sharing humorous and memorable details about past events, which fits the definition of a story.

Question 17

Family _________ often contain information the family considers private and not appropriate for sharing with outsiders.

Accepted Answer

Family secrets are typically information that families consider private and choose not to share with people outside the family.

Question 18

Which of the following is considered a confirming message?

Accepted Answer

Confirming messages are those that convey respect, validation, and acknowledgment of another's ideas or feelings. Spontaneity, as opposed to control or strategy, is about being genuine and open in communication, which aligns with the essence of confirming messages. It encourages a positive and affirming interaction between individuals.

Question 19

Your brother asks what you think of his term paper. You don't think it is very good, but you decide to go with a more confirming response, saying, "I'm not sure, but then again I never was very good in English". By using a ______________ message, you convey your point of view while inviting alternative views so as not to hurt your brother's feelings.

Accepted Answer

A provisional message is characterized by a willingness to remain open to other viewpoints. By expressing uncertainty about your own abilities in English, you're softening the critique of his term paper, thus inviting further discussion or alternative interpretations without directly challenging or dismissing his efforts. This approach helps maintain a positive relationship while still conveying your perspective.

Question 20

If your friend is telling you about a particularly emotional issue she is having and your response is simply, "It'll be fine", your message is

Accepted Answer

This response is considered disconfirming because it dismisses or minimizes the friend's feelings and the significance of the emotional issue, rather than acknowledging or validating them.

Quiz 8: Communicating in Intimate Relationships