Chapter 1 Family Dynamics & Etiology Of Schizophrenia

Question 0

In focusing on the failure to arrive at cooperative roles, Theodore Lidz identified two types of marital discord. What are they?

Answer 0

Marital Schism (open conflict) - couples undermine each other and compete openly for their children’s effection.

Marital Skew (pathological balance) - serious character flaws in one partner who dominates the other. One passive and dependent - the other appears to be a strong parent but in fact is a pathological bully.

Nichols p. 15 & 27

Question 1

How does Gregory Bateson define a “Double Bind” ?

Answer 1

A person in an important relationship in which escape is not feasible and response is necessary. Person receives 2 related but contradictory messages, conveyed on different levels, but finds it difficult to recognize or comment on the inconsistency.
Nichol p.14

Question 2

Define the terms Pseudomutality, Pseudohostitly and Rubber Fence coined by Lyman Wynne.

Answer 2

Pseudomutality - a facade of harmony. So committed to togetherness that’s there’s no room for separate identities.

Pseudohostitly - like bickering of situation-comedy families than real animosity. Distorts communication and impairs rational thinking. Undermines intimacy and masks deeper conflict.

Rubber Fence - an invisible barrier that stretches to allow limited extra-familial contact but springs back if that involvement goes, too far.

Nichols p. 15

Question 3

Who are the 3 pioneers of Family Therapy?

Answer 3

1. John Elderkin Bell
2. Murray Bowen
3. Don Jackson

Nichols p. 17-21

Question 4

Which pioneer family therapist began seeing families in the 50s but did not publish ideas for decades - didn’t establish an important clinical center or training program and was credited with being one of the first to treat families?

Answer 4

John Elderkin Bell

Nichols p. 17

Question 5

What are John Elderkin Bell’s three predictable stages of family groups?

Answer 5

Stage 1. Child-centered stage - child encouraged to express their wishes and concerns.

Stage 2. Parent-centered stage - focuses on softening the harshness of parental criticism in order to focus on problem solving.

Stage 3. Family-centered stage - therapist equalized support for the entire family, while assisting in improving their communication and work out solutions to their problems.

Nichols p. 18

Question 6

What contributions did Gregory Bateson make to Family Therapy?

Answer 6

• Scientific leader of the Palo Alto Project that studied the nature of communication
• studied the nature of communication in families who had a schizophrenic member
• from his work emerged the concepts of homeostasis, double bind, and the identified patient.
  M&F Class notes p. 8-9

Question 7

What are 3 important facts about Don Jackson?

Answer 7

1. He was associated with the Palo Alto Research Project I. 1954
2. He stubbled in FT as a result of becoming interested in helping the people that he was researching.
3. He was a part of the Mental Health Research Institute (MRI).

Question 8

What sophisticated and complete FT theory is Murray Bowen associated with?

Answer 8

Triangulation