Family Roles
What is the role of a "scapegoat" within a family unit? Anyone in your family that is often in that role?
This family member is frequently blamed for overall family problems or conflict.
Nadia?
What is the silent treatment?
Refusal to communicate, often used to indirectly express anger or punish the other person; rather than discussing/resolving the issue.
What is a trigger?
Something in your environment or an interaction that provokes intense negative feelings.
What is self-soothing or calming techniques?
Breathing deeply, counting to 10, playing w/ a fidget toy, taking a break, etc.
What is self-awareness?
The ability to recognize & understand your own values, emotions, thoughts, triggers, behaviors, etc.
What is the role of the enforcer in a family? Who usually plays that role in your family?
Family member who strictly upholds rules & behavioral expectations, focusing on ensuring compliance.
Mom?
What is assertive communication?
Expressing feelings clearly without blaming or escalating conflict.
What is a consequence of impulsively reacting to a trigger without thinking first?
Strained relationships, unnecessary conflict, intense regret, loss of a job, saying something you don't mean, etc.
Temporarily leaving a conflict is an avoidance strategy that always worsens anger. True/False?
False.
Family patterns can influence the way you act with friends or peers. True/False?
True.
What is the role of the peacemaker? In your family?
A family member who tries to keep peace & prevent conflict.
Older Sister?
What is an example of passive-aggressive communication?
Using sarcasm or joking to mask anger or other negative feelings, while avoiding direct communication.
What are family-based triggers?
Family criticism, repeated interruptions, or perceived unfairness.
What is seeking support?
Talking to a trusted adult before reacting in anger.
What is reflection or self-analysis?
One thing you can do after a conflict to improve your next response is this process of thinking back on what happened.
What is avoidance behavior within a family dynamic? Anyone in your family that sometimes does this?
A pattern where one family member consistently avoids conflict, potentially creating resentment.
Dad?
What is an example of healthy conflict expression?
Explaining one's feelings using “I feel” statements instead of blaming/attacking someone.
Active listening.
What is impulsive responding?
Reacting immediately to a family insult or criticism without thinking.
Combining multiple coping strategies in real-life situations strengthens anger management skills. True/False?
True.
What is perspective-taking?
Considering how your behavior affects others can prevent future conflicts.
What is a negative family pattern?
Recurring behaviors, emotional habits, and/or relationship dynamics that repeatedly result in anger, resentment, etc.
Name 2 strategies to repair communication after a conflict has escalated.
Apologizing, Active listening, Using “I” statements, Taking a pause, Acknowledging feelings, Reflecting/clarifying, Finding a solution together, Setting boundaries
How does greater self-awareness help a person respond more calmly or appropriately in challenging situations?
Knowing your feelings and triggers helps you stay calm and choose how to respond.
What is rehearsal or skill-building?
Practicing how to respond to conflict through role-play or reflection.
What is emotional regulation?
The ability to self monitor, evaluate & modify emotional reactions to triggers or adapt to the environment. Such as calming down when angry or reducing anxiety