EDCO 820 ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL &
FAMILY COUNSELING
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, which assessment concept describes the process of
managing anxiety by focusing on a third party to reduce tension between two people?
A. Triangulation
B. Morphogenesis
C. Enmeshment
D. Emotional Cutoff
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation is a core Bowenian concept where a two-person
system under stress recruits a third person to stabilize the relationship and manage
anxiety.
2. The FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales) is based on which
theoretical framework?
A. The McMaster Model of Family Functioning
,B. Structural Family Mapping Theory
C. Strategic Family Therapy Model
D. The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV was developed by David Olson and is the primary
instrument for measuring the dimensions of the Circumplex Model: cohesion, flexibility,
and communication.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the extent of distress in a
relationship across dimensions like Global Distress, Affective Communication, and
Disagreement About Finances?
A. Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
B. The Gottman Sound Relationship House Survey
C. Family Assessment Device (FAD)
D. Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The MSI-R provides a multi-dimensional assessment of
relationship distress, offering subscales for specific areas of conflict and communication.
, 4. In Structural Family Therapy, what is the primary purpose of an ‘enactment’ during the
assessment phase?
A. To observe the family’s spontaneous interactional sequences and boundary structures.
B. To provide a cathartic release for suppressed family emotions.
C. To teach the family new communication skills through role-play.
D. To establish the therapist as the leader of the family hierarchy.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Enactments allow the structural therapist to see how the family
actually functions and interacts, rather than relying solely on their verbal reports of the
problem.
5. When constructing a genogram, what does a line consisting of three parallel horizontal
lines between two individuals typically represent?
A. A distant relationship
B. A hostile or conflictual relationship
C. A fused or over-involved relationship
D. A severed or cut-off relationship
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram notation, three solid parallel lines
indicate a fused or highly enmeshed relationship.
FAMILY COUNSELING
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, which assessment concept describes the process of
managing anxiety by focusing on a third party to reduce tension between two people?
A. Triangulation
B. Morphogenesis
C. Enmeshment
D. Emotional Cutoff
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Triangulation is a core Bowenian concept where a two-person
system under stress recruits a third person to stabilize the relationship and manage
anxiety.
2. The FACES IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales) is based on which
theoretical framework?
A. The McMaster Model of Family Functioning
,B. Structural Family Mapping Theory
C. Strategic Family Therapy Model
D. The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: FACES IV was developed by David Olson and is the primary
instrument for measuring the dimensions of the Circumplex Model: cohesion, flexibility,
and communication.
3. Which assessment tool is specifically designed to measure the extent of distress in a
relationship across dimensions like Global Distress, Affective Communication, and
Disagreement About Finances?
A. Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS)
B. The Gottman Sound Relationship House Survey
C. Family Assessment Device (FAD)
D. Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The MSI-R provides a multi-dimensional assessment of
relationship distress, offering subscales for specific areas of conflict and communication.
, 4. In Structural Family Therapy, what is the primary purpose of an ‘enactment’ during the
assessment phase?
A. To observe the family’s spontaneous interactional sequences and boundary structures.
B. To provide a cathartic release for suppressed family emotions.
C. To teach the family new communication skills through role-play.
D. To establish the therapist as the leader of the family hierarchy.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Enactments allow the structural therapist to see how the family
actually functions and interacts, rather than relying solely on their verbal reports of the
problem.
5. When constructing a genogram, what does a line consisting of three parallel horizontal
lines between two individuals typically represent?
A. A distant relationship
B. A hostile or conflictual relationship
C. A fused or over-involved relationship
D. A severed or cut-off relationship
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram notation, three solid parallel lines
indicate a fused or highly enmeshed relationship.
