ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL & FAMILY
COUNSELING COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. In a standard genogram, how is a pregnancy represented?
A. A small circle
B. A triangle
C. A diamond
D. A dotted square
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In genogram symbology, a triangle is used to denote a
pregnancy, whereas circles represent females and squares represent males.
2. Which of the following describes ‘differentiation of self’ in Bowenian theory?
A. The physical separation between family members living in different locations
B. The process of cutting off from one’s family of origin to gain independence
C. The tendency to mirror the emotional states of others in a group
D. The ability to remain emotionally connected while maintaining a distinct sense of self
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self refers to the capacity to distinguish
between thinking and feeling processes and to maintain individual identity while
remaining connected to the family system.
3. According to the Circumplex Model (FACES IV), what are the two primary dimensions of
family functioning?
A. Power and Communication
B. Conflict and Resilience
C. Hierarchy and Boundaries
D. Cohesion and Flexibility
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Olson’s Circumplex Model identifies Cohesion (the emotional
bonding) and Flexibility (the amount of change in leadership/roles) as the two main
dimensions.
4. What is the purpose of ‘circular questioning’ in family assessment?
A. To find out who started a specific conflict
B. To trap a family member in a logical contradiction
C. To highlight differences in perception and illuminate relationship patterns
D. To repeat the same question until the truth is revealed
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circular questioning, developed by the Milan team, aims to elicit
information about relationships and differences between family members rather than
focusing on linear facts.
5. In Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy, ‘disengaged’ boundaries are characterized by:
A. Over-involvement and lack of autonomy
B. Clear and flexible rules
C. Extreme independence and lack of support
D. Constant conflict and verbal aggression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Disengaged boundaries are rigid, leading to family members
being isolated from one another with little sense of loyalty or belonging.
6. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure marital satisfaction across
various dimensions like communication and conflict?
A. MSI-R (Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised)
B. MMPI-2
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Answer: A
COUNSELING COMPREHENSIVE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. In a standard genogram, how is a pregnancy represented?
A. A small circle
B. A triangle
C. A diamond
D. A dotted square
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In genogram symbology, a triangle is used to denote a
pregnancy, whereas circles represent females and squares represent males.
2. Which of the following describes ‘differentiation of self’ in Bowenian theory?
A. The physical separation between family members living in different locations
B. The process of cutting off from one’s family of origin to gain independence
C. The tendency to mirror the emotional states of others in a group
D. The ability to remain emotionally connected while maintaining a distinct sense of self
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self refers to the capacity to distinguish
between thinking and feeling processes and to maintain individual identity while
remaining connected to the family system.
3. According to the Circumplex Model (FACES IV), what are the two primary dimensions of
family functioning?
A. Power and Communication
B. Conflict and Resilience
C. Hierarchy and Boundaries
D. Cohesion and Flexibility
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Olson’s Circumplex Model identifies Cohesion (the emotional
bonding) and Flexibility (the amount of change in leadership/roles) as the two main
dimensions.
4. What is the purpose of ‘circular questioning’ in family assessment?
A. To find out who started a specific conflict
B. To trap a family member in a logical contradiction
C. To highlight differences in perception and illuminate relationship patterns
D. To repeat the same question until the truth is revealed
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Circular questioning, developed by the Milan team, aims to elicit
information about relationships and differences between family members rather than
focusing on linear facts.
5. In Minuchin’s Structural Family Therapy, ‘disengaged’ boundaries are characterized by:
A. Over-involvement and lack of autonomy
B. Clear and flexible rules
C. Extreme independence and lack of support
D. Constant conflict and verbal aggression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Disengaged boundaries are rigid, leading to family members
being isolated from one another with little sense of loyalty or belonging.
6. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure marital satisfaction across
various dimensions like communication and conflict?
A. MSI-R (Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised)
B. MMPI-2
C. Beck Depression Inventory
D. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Answer: A
