EDCO 820: ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL
AND FAMILY COUNSELING -
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the ‘Epistemological Shift’ required when moving from
individual to systemic assessment?
A. Focusing on intrapsychic conflicts within the identified patient.
B. Prioritizing historical trauma over current interactions.
C. Shifting from linear causality to circular causality.
D. Utilizing standardized IQ tests to determine family capability.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Systemic assessment requires moving away from linear cause-
effect (A causes B) to circular causality, where behaviors are seen as mutually influencing
loops.
2. In the context of the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems, ‘Cohesion’ refers to:
A. The ability of a system to change its power structure.
B. The level of conflict within the marital dyad.
,C. The emotional bonding that family members have toward one another.
D. The clarity of generational boundaries.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cohesion is defined as the emotional bonding between family
members, ranging from disengaged to enmeshed.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the three dimensions of the
Circumplex Model (Cohesion, Flexibility, and Communication)?
A. FACES IV
B. MBTI
C. MMPI-2
D. 16PF
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary instrument for assessing the Circumplex Model dimensions.
4. When conducting a Genogram, what does a double line between two individuals typically
signify?
A. A distant or peripheral relationship.
B. A conflictual relationship.
C. A fused or over-involved relationship.
, D. A legal marriage.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram symbology, double or triple solid lines
indicate a very close, fused, or enmeshed relationship.
5. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) is primarily used to assess:
A. The presence of personality disorders in spouses.
B. Childhood attachment styles.
C. The likelihood of domestic violence.
D. The quality of the relationship as perceived by married or cohabiting couples.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The DAS is a 32-item instrument used to measure relationship
satisfaction, cohesion, consensus, and affectional expression.
6. Which of the following is a significant limitation of using individual objective personality
tests (like the MMPI-2) in family therapy?
A. They lack empirical validity.
B. They are too short to provide meaningful data.
C. They cannot be administered to adults.
D. They focus on individual psychopathology rather than relational dynamics.
AND FAMILY COUNSELING -
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which of the following describes the ‘Epistemological Shift’ required when moving from
individual to systemic assessment?
A. Focusing on intrapsychic conflicts within the identified patient.
B. Prioritizing historical trauma over current interactions.
C. Shifting from linear causality to circular causality.
D. Utilizing standardized IQ tests to determine family capability.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Systemic assessment requires moving away from linear cause-
effect (A causes B) to circular causality, where behaviors are seen as mutually influencing
loops.
2. In the context of the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems, ‘Cohesion’ refers to:
A. The ability of a system to change its power structure.
B. The level of conflict within the marital dyad.
,C. The emotional bonding that family members have toward one another.
D. The clarity of generational boundaries.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cohesion is defined as the emotional bonding between family
members, ranging from disengaged to enmeshed.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the three dimensions of the
Circumplex Model (Cohesion, Flexibility, and Communication)?
A. FACES IV
B. MBTI
C. MMPI-2
D. 16PF
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales)
is the primary instrument for assessing the Circumplex Model dimensions.
4. When conducting a Genogram, what does a double line between two individuals typically
signify?
A. A distant or peripheral relationship.
B. A conflictual relationship.
C. A fused or over-involved relationship.
, D. A legal marriage.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram symbology, double or triple solid lines
indicate a very close, fused, or enmeshed relationship.
5. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) is primarily used to assess:
A. The presence of personality disorders in spouses.
B. Childhood attachment styles.
C. The likelihood of domestic violence.
D. The quality of the relationship as perceived by married or cohabiting couples.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The DAS is a 32-item instrument used to measure relationship
satisfaction, cohesion, consensus, and affectional expression.
6. Which of the following is a significant limitation of using individual objective personality
tests (like the MMPI-2) in family therapy?
A. They lack empirical validity.
B. They are too short to provide meaningful data.
C. They cannot be administered to adults.
D. They focus on individual psychopathology rather than relational dynamics.
