Families
What are the 5 stages of grief?
Denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance
Name 5 characteristics of a healthy dating relationship.
Superficial: low risk, low possibility for connection
Personal: medium risk, medium possibility for connection
Validating: high risk, high possibility for connection
Name and describe 5 ways a couple can prepare for becoming parents.
Emotional readiness, financial planning, relationship strength, parenting education, support network, etc.
Name 5 different types of family structures and a strength of each.
Nuclear: can be more stable with clear parental roles and direct support
Single-parent: can foster independence and resilience in children
Blended: offers opportunities for expanded relationships and support systems
Extended: multigenerational involvement provides cultural continuity and built-in childcare
Adoptive: provides permanent, loving homes for children in need, often chosen intentionally and lovingly
Child-free: can focus more time, energy, and resources on careers, travel, or community involvement
Name 5 early red flags in a relationship and what advice you would give a friend if they were in a relationship with someone demonstrating these behaviors.
Control, hostility, dishonesty, disrespect, dependence, intimidation, violence, gaslighting, grooming, manipulative, etc.
Identify and describe the 4 communication styles.
Assertive: confident, direct, self-assured, positive. Clear without putting down others thoughts, feelings or opinions
Passive: submissive, avoiding expressing opinions, not a peacemaker, more likely to be in an abusive relationship
Aggressive: forward, demanding, dominating. Without regard to others’ thoughts and feelings
Passive Aggressive: indirect, subtle, manipulative, sarcastic (veiled anger)
Name and describe Olson's 5 parenting styles..
Permissive: high connection, high flexibility
Authoritarian: high connection, low flexibility
Rejecting: low connection, low flexibility
Neglectful: low connection, high flexibility
Democratic: balanced
Explain intergenerational transmission theory and transitional characters.
Intergenerational transmission theory: transmitting attitudes, ideologies, beliefs, and behaviors through generations
Transitional characters: individual who intentionally identifies unhealthy patterns, dynamics, attitudes, and behaviors (in a family system) and proactively alters them to be healthy and productive
Intimacy, passion, and commitment -- all three are required for a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
Intimacy + Passion = Romantic Love
Passion + Commitment = Fatuous Love
Commitment + Intimacy = Companionate Love
Identify 4 constructive and 4 destructive methods of communication.
Constructive: Reflective listening, timing, clarifying, validating, empathy, compassion, understanding, curiosity, being interested, softening the no, “I” statements, maintaining appropriate eye contact, non-verbal gestures, perspective taking, removing distractions, emotionally & mentally present
Destructive: Interrupting, defensive, emotional withdrawal, “you” statements, dismissive, manipulative, blaming, dominating the conversation, distracted, character assassination, reinforcements
A new parent is feeling disconnected from their partner after the baby is born. What two changes in the relationship might be happening, and what advice would you give them to stay connected?
Shift in roles and priorities, emotional and physical exhaustion, identity change, increased conflict or miscommunication, uneven distribution of labor, neglecting self-care, reduced couple time, different parenting styles, family pressure, etc.
Schedule intentional time together, express appreciation, communicate openly, share responsibilities, maintain small rituals, etc.
Describe the ABC-X model of stress, each of its components, and what it might be used for.
Used to understand how families respond to stress, whether a situation becomes a crisis, and identify new resources and skills to help manage the event.
A=Stressor (job loss, illness, divorce, etc.)
B-Resources (money, emotional support, counseling, extended family, etc.)
C=Perception (how family interprets stressor -- is it manageable or overwhelming?)
X=Outcome (family either adapts and copes, or they experience a crises)
Define the difference between cohabitation and marriage. Name 2 pros and 1 con of each.
Cohabitation: live together in a romantic relationship without being legally married
Pros: flexibility w/o legal complications, test compatibility, establish financial habits, be closer to partner w/o commitment of marriage, etc.
Cons: less legal protection, potentially unclear commitment, no tax benefits
Marriage: legal (and often religious or cultural) union between two people, recognized by gov and society
Pros: legal benefits, stronger social support, stronger commitment and role definition
Cons: legal repercussions of divorce, cultural or family pressures, potential decline in relationship satisfaction
A couple with two children is going through a divorce. What are three specific strategies they can use to reduce the negative impact on their children during and after the separation? Explain why each one is important.
Keep communication respectful and focused on the child’s needs. Avoid arguing or bad-mouthing each other in front of the children.
Remind children they are loved and not to blame. Try to maintain routines to create a sense of security.
Don't ask children to take sides or act as messengers between parents. This reduces stress and emotional conflict.
Name and describe the 4 attachment styles.
Anxious/preoccupied:
Avoidant/dismissive:
Disorganized:
Describe the family life cycle and how it may differ between nuclear families, blended families, and adoptive families.
Marriage -> Families with young children -> Families with adolescents -> Launching children -> Families in later life -> Leaving home -> Repeat
Some components change depending on family type.
Describe the filtering theory of mate selection, including all 6 filters and what they mean.
Field of Eligibles
Propinquity filter: proximity
Attraction filter: physical and personality
Homogamy filter: similar background/demographic info
Compatibility filter: values, attitudes, roles, temperament, habits, lifestyle, etc.
Trial filter: cohabitation or engagement period
Decision filter: ability to commit emotionally or legally
Marriage
Identify and describe Gottman's Sound Relationship House including its purpose, 2 pillars, and 7 floors.
Purpose: outlines key components of strong, healthy relationships
Pillars: trust, commitment
Levels: build love maps, share fondness and admiration, turn toward instead of away, positive perspective, manage conflict, make life dreams come true, create shared meaning
Describe a real-life parenting scenario involving a misbehaving child. Choose and apply 3 positive guidance techniques to handle the situation in a healthy and respectful way.
Natural/logical consequences, redirection, humor, offering choices, positive reinforcement, when/then, use words, tone, nonverbal techniques, emotion coaching, spend time together, etc.