EDCO 820 ASSESSMENT IN MARITAL &
FAMILY COUNSELING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which systemic concept describes the tendency of a system to maintain a steady state or
status quo in the face of change?
A. Morphogenesis
B. Equifinality
C. Morphostasis
D. Circular causality
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Morphostasis refers to a system’s tendency toward stability or
staying the same, whereas morphogenesis refers to the system’s ability to change or adapt
its structure.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, what does ‘differentiation of self’ primarily measure?
A. The level of financial independence achieved by adult children
B. The degree of social extroversion versus introversion within a family unit
C. The ability to distinguish between intellectual processes and feeling processes
,D. The number of active triangles within a multigenerational system
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to separate one’s
own emotional and intellectual functioning from that of the family, allowing for autonomy
while remaining connected.
3. When using the FACES IV assessment tool, which two dimensions of family functioning are
measured to determine the Circumplex Model position?
A. Power and Hierarchy
B. Communication and Satisfaction
C. Triangulation and Enmeshment
D. Cohesion and Flexibility
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The FACES IV is based on the Circumplex Model, which
primarily evaluates family cohesion (emotional bonding) and flexibility (ability to change
leadership/roles).
4. What is the standard genogram symbol for a male family member?
A. A circle
B. A triangle
C. A square
, D. A diamond
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram notation, a square represents a male and
a circle represents a female.
5. In Structural Family Therapy, which term describes a boundary that is overly restrictive,
leading to isolation and lack of support between members?
A. Diffuse
B. Rigid
C. Permeable
D. Circular
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rigid boundaries result in disengagement, where family
members are isolated from one another and lack emotional support.
6. What is the primary focus of ‘Circular Questioning’ in the Milan systemic approach?
A. To identify the single cause of a family’s problem
B. To highlight differences in perceptions among family members regarding relationships
C. To force the identified patient to admit their role in the conflict
D. To provide the therapist with a way to give direct advice
FAMILY COUNSELING QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. Which systemic concept describes the tendency of a system to maintain a steady state or
status quo in the face of change?
A. Morphogenesis
B. Equifinality
C. Morphostasis
D. Circular causality
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Morphostasis refers to a system’s tendency toward stability or
staying the same, whereas morphogenesis refers to the system’s ability to change or adapt
its structure.
2. In Bowenian Family Systems Theory, what does ‘differentiation of self’ primarily measure?
A. The level of financial independence achieved by adult children
B. The degree of social extroversion versus introversion within a family unit
C. The ability to distinguish between intellectual processes and feeling processes
,D. The number of active triangles within a multigenerational system
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Differentiation of self involves the capacity to separate one’s
own emotional and intellectual functioning from that of the family, allowing for autonomy
while remaining connected.
3. When using the FACES IV assessment tool, which two dimensions of family functioning are
measured to determine the Circumplex Model position?
A. Power and Hierarchy
B. Communication and Satisfaction
C. Triangulation and Enmeshment
D. Cohesion and Flexibility
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The FACES IV is based on the Circumplex Model, which
primarily evaluates family cohesion (emotional bonding) and flexibility (ability to change
leadership/roles).
4. What is the standard genogram symbol for a male family member?
A. A circle
B. A triangle
C. A square
, D. A diamond
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In standard genogram notation, a square represents a male and
a circle represents a female.
5. In Structural Family Therapy, which term describes a boundary that is overly restrictive,
leading to isolation and lack of support between members?
A. Diffuse
B. Rigid
C. Permeable
D. Circular
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Rigid boundaries result in disengagement, where family
members are isolated from one another and lack emotional support.
6. What is the primary focus of ‘Circular Questioning’ in the Milan systemic approach?
A. To identify the single cause of a family’s problem
B. To highlight differences in perceptions among family members regarding relationships
C. To force the identified patient to admit their role in the conflict
D. To provide the therapist with a way to give direct advice
