Gladding Ch. 3

Question 1

Health

Answer 1

an interactive process associated w/ positive relatinoships and outcomes

Question 2

Qualities of Healthy Families

Answer 2

commitment, appreciation, time together, effective communication, religious/spiritual orientation

Question 3

nonevents

Answer 3

passive in the sense that they are events that do not happen as envisioned or expected (e.g. failure to have children)

Question 4

ambiguous losses

Answer 4

1. when a person is physically absent yet psychologically present
2. when a person is physically present but psychologically absent

Question 5

symmetrical relatinoship

Answer 5

interatction based on similarity of behavior

Question 6

complementary relationship

Answer 6

rigid roles. differences maximized

Question 7

parallel relationships

Answer 7

symmetrical and complementary exchanges occur as appropriate

Question 8

centripetal

Answer 8

tendency of a family to move towards closeness

Question 9

centrifugal relationship

Answer 9

tendency of a family to distance

Question 10

family cohesion

Answer 10

emotional bonding. 4 levels

1. disengaged
2. separated
3. connected
4. enmeshed

Question 11

family adaptability

Answer 11

ability to be flexible and change. 4 levels

1. rigid
2. structured
3. flexible
4. chaotic

Question 12

ABCX model (Hill)

Answer 12

illustrates whether an event is a crisis.

A: stressor
B: resources at family’s disposal
C: meaning or interpretation of experience
X: combined effect of these factors

Question 13

Double ABCX model

Answer 13

provides a theoretical framework for understanding the ocmplex interaction between situations in a fammily that involve more than one event. focuses on family resolutions over time rather than those geared to a single happening

Question 14

first-order change

Answer 14

superficial

Question 15

Problems defining “health”

Answer 15

○ “Health” is a socially constructed idea, which is subject to change
○ The health of a system can be highly variable over lifespan
○ The issue of “outsiders” presuming to know what “healthy” is for “insiders”

Question 16

Reorganize & Restructure

Answer 16

Gladding contends that healthy families are able to reorganize and restructure
relationships to accommodate changing life circumstances. They are typically able to
do this through:
○ Openness
○ Appropriate boundaries
○ Self-regulation
○ Positive and productive interactions
■ Inside (the family) and Outside (institutions)

Question 17

Cultural Constants

Answer 17

There are some “cultural constants” that have been identified as characteristics of
healthy families
○ Adaptive
○ Appropriate boundaries
○ Commitment to continue to develop relationships with open communication
○ Promote responsibility
○ Express confidence in self & others
○ Optimistic about the future

Question 18

Health as defined by Gladding

Answer 18

an interactive process associated with positive

relationships and situational outcomes

Question 19

rigid structures

Answer 19

Rigid structures are best for handling crises

Question 20

loose structures

Answer 20

Loose structures are best for recreation

Question 21

complementary families

Answer 21

Complimentary families have rigid role definitions and maximum differences between
members of the marital dyad
○ Each “role” has its specific responsibilities
○ Functions as long as both parties agree to their roles and responsibilities AND
this status quo never changes
○ All necessary tasks need to be accomplished

Question 22

symmetrical families

Answer 22

Symmetrical families have partners that are versatile and are willing to become
competent in accomplishing basic daily tasks to run the household
○ Can run into problems when partners become competitive when working at the
same tasks
○ If there is too big of a skill deficit between the partners, this can create additional
stress
○ Often seen as “post gender” relationships

Question 23

levels of change within systems

Answer 23

★ First order changes: superficial adjustments that are usually temporary in nature
★ Second order change (or “metachanges”): a new set of behaviors is introduced into
the existing schema, often in an abrupt way
★ Adaptive families can accurately identify which of these changes is needed according to
the situation that has presented itself in front of them

Question 24

approaches for working towards health w/ families

Answer 24

★ Appreciate complexity
★ Try your best not to pathologize the family
★ Remember that “health” is developmental, cultural, and situational
★ All families have strengths and deficits - lean on existing strengths when you can!
★ Psychoeducational approaches are better than judgmental approaches