Chapter 7: Family Relationships

Question 1

Family systems approach

Answer 1

An approach to understanding family functioning that emphasizes how each relationship within the family influences the family as a whole.

Question 2

Dyadic relationships

Answer 2

A relationship between two people.

Question 3

Disequilibrium

Answer 3

In the family systems approach, the term used to refer to a change/imbalance that requires adjustments from family members.

Question 4

Caregiver relationship

Answer 4

Between siblings, a relationship in which one sibling typically looks after another.

Question 5

Buddy relationship

Answer 5

Between siblings, a relationship in which they treat each other as friends.

Question 6

Critical relationship

Answer 6

Between siblings, a relationship characterized by a high level of conflict and teasing.

Question 7

Rival relationship

Answer 7

Between siblings, a relationship in which they compete against one another and measure their success against each other.

Question 8

Casual relationship

Answer 8

Between siblings, a relationship that is not emotionally intense, in which they have little to do with one another.

Question 9

Parenting styles

Answer 9

Patterns of practices parents exhibit in relation to their children.

Question 10

Demandingness

Answer 10

The number of rules, expectations for behavioural compliance, and amount of control exerted by parents.

Question 11

Responsiveness

Answer 11

The degree to which parents are sensitive to their children’s needs and express love, warmth, concern for them.

Question 12

Authoritative parents

Answer 12

High in demandingness, high in responsiveness.
They love their children but also set clear standards for behaviour and explain to their children the reasons for those standards.

Question 13

Authoritarian parents

Answer 13

High in demandingness, low in responsiveness.
They require obedience from their children and punish disobedience without compromise, but show little warmth or affection toward them.

Question 14

Permissive parents

Answer 14

Low in demandingness, high in responsiveness.

They show love and affection toward their children but are permissive with regard to standards for behaviour.

Question 15

Disengaged parents

Answer 15

Low in demandingness, low in responsiveness.

Parents are relatively uninvolved in their children’s development.

Question 16

Traditional parenting style

Answer 16

Parents in traditional cultures have high levels of demandingness, expect children to obey without explaining decisions. Not authoritarian; demandingness is tempered by being responsive and warm.

Question 17

Filial piety

Answer 17

In Asian cultures, children are expected to respect, obey, and revere their parents throughout life.

Question 18

Familismo

Answer 18

Concept of family life characteristic of Latino cultures that emphasizes the love, closeness, and mutual obligations of family life.

Question 19

Reciprocal or bidirectional effects

Answer 19

The concept that children are not only affected by their parents but affect their parents in return.

Question 20

Differential parenting

Answer 20

When parents’ behaviour differs toward siblings within the same family.

Question 21

Non shared environmental influences

Answer 21

Influences experienced differently among siblings within the same family.

Question 22

Bowlby’s Theory of Attachment

Answer 22

Attachments between parents and children have an evolutionary basis in the need for vulnerable young members of a species to stay in close proximity to adults who will care for and protect them.

Question 23

Secure attachment

Answer 23

Infants use caregiver as a “secure base” when all is well; seek physical comfort and consolation from her if frightened or threatened.

Question 24

Insecure attachment

Answer 24

Infants are timid about exploring the environment and resist or avoid the caregiver when she attempts to offer comfort or consolation.

Question 25

Internal working model

Answer 25

In attachment theory, the term for the cognitive framework. based on interactions in infancy with the primary caregiver, that shapes expectations and interactions in relationships to others throughout life.

Question 26

Affective functions

Answer 26

Emotional functions of the family, pertaining to love, nurturance and attachment.

Question 27

Family structure

Answer 27

The outward characteristics of a family (ex. whether parents are married, how many adults and children live in the house).

Question 28

Family process

Answer 28

The quality of relationships among family members.

Question 29

Autonomy

Answer 29

The quality of being independent and self-sufficient, capable of thinking for one’s self.