Family Roles
Describe the role of the "scapegoat" in a dysfunctional family.
The scapegoat will often become the focus of attention for the dysfunctional family. The family will focus attention on the problems caused by the child, thus taking the focus off the core problem of addiction or abuse. Instead of looking at the parent’s addiction, violence, or sexual abuse, family members may blame all of the family’s problems on the scapegoat. However, the scapegoat’s behavior is the result—not the cause —of the family problems.
Name 2 biological needs.
hunger, thirst, sleep, etc.
What is a nuclear family?
The nuclear family consists of two parents and their children living in one household.
What is stress?
Stressors are those people, places, events, rules, regulations, expectations, or requests that put some kind of demand on people. Stress is the internal reaction to those demands.
Why did Jack and Jill go up the hill?
To fetch a pail of water.
Describe the "hero" in a dysfunctional family.
The family hero is the person who takes over. The hero is a child who assumes adult responsibilities, such as organizing the other children, making certain that they are fed, clothed, and ready for school and bed. The hero is likely to do much of the cleaning and cooking. Although still children, heroes become little adults.
Name 2 safety needs.
At the level of safety, the issues are still rather basic, such as having a job, a place to live, and a way to consistently have food and meet other basic needs.
What is a single parent family?
A single parent and his or her children are also a family.
True or False?
The statement, “I should be able to understand this information better. I must be stupid.”, is a rational statement.
FALSE. It is an irrational statement.
What is the largest state in the U.S.?
Alaska
Describe the role of the "placater" in a dysfunctional family.
As the placater, this child tries to take care of everyone else’s emotional needs and reduce conflicts in the family by smoothing things over. As a child, the family placater is often considered to be the most sensitive of all the children. This child’s feelings seem to be easily hurt, even though he or she spends tremendous energy trying to make others feel good. When there is a crisis in the family, the placater goes to the other children to comfort them, trying to reduce tension in the home.
Name a safety need that may be ignored by someone in active addiction. Explain.
During active addiction, many of these safety needs are not met. People lose their jobs, become evicted, or get kicked out of their house.
What is an extended-family?
Whether the children have one or two birth parents, an extended family will include other relatives such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends who are accepted as part of the family.
What is an irrational thought?
Thoughts that are self-defeating, causes stress, anxiety, anger, guilt, and depression. Irrational thinking is associated with the words should, ought, must, always, and never.
How many legs does a lobster have?
a) 6
b) 8
c) 10
d) 12
c) 10
Describe the role of the "lost child" in a dysfunctional family.
The lost child will try to accept whatever happens in the family. This child will do as he or she is told without a fight or comment. The lost child believes that nothing can change the family problems and thus accepts whatever happens. From the parent’s perspective, the lost child is not noticed as much as the other children.
Give 2 examples of social needs.
Belonging to a group of people. Friends, family members, support groups, etc.
What is a blended family?
a couple family containing 2 or more children, of whom at least one is the natural or adopted child of both members of the couple, and at least one is the stepchild of either partner in the couple.
What is the definition of a stressor?
Stressors are those people, places, events, rules, regulations, expectations, or requests that put some kind of demand on people.
Who was the first Disney Princess?
a) Snow White
b) Belle
c) Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
d) Pocahontas
a) Snow white
Name the 4 dysfunctional family roles.
1) the hero, (2) the placater, (3) the lost child, and
(4) the scapegoat.
Give some examples of that makes a relationship healthy.
Vulnerability, understanding, empathy, compassion, respect, trust, acceptance, honesty, communication etc.
What could happen if a child's basic needs are not met?
(open discussion)
What is an irrational internal critic?
Your internal critic may tell you that you always cause problems and that you are not good enough or smart enough. Your internal critic may tell you that you will never get better or make it through treatment.
What morning TV show recently had a scandal because two of its anchors were having an extramarital relationship with each other?
Good Morning America