,PYC4808 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025-DUE 17
September 2025; 100% trusted ,comprehensive and complete
reliable solution with clear explanation.
Alternative Exam
Due Date: 17 September 2025 09h00 (No extensions can be granted for
an exam)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWER GUIDE FROM THE CASE STUDY
Question 1:
Draw an ecomap to illustrate the current family dynamics in the Jackson
family. You can hand draw the ecomap, or you can use a free family
genogram programme. (20)
Question 1 Answer: Ecomap of the Jackson Family
An ecomap is a visual representation of a family’s internal and external
relationships. It illustrates the quality, strength, and direction of these
connections by using different types of lines: solid lines for strong and
supportive ties, jagged lines for conflict, dotted or thin lines for weak or
distant ties, and double lines for enmeshment or over-involvement. In
clinical practice, an ecomap helps a psychologist or family therapist
identify both sources of stress and potential resources available to a
family.
In the Jackson family’s case, the nuclear family (David, Laura, Jake, and
Lily) is placed at the centre of the map. Surrounding them are extended
family members (George, Evelyn, and Peter) and external systems such
as Jake’s school, the school counsellor, Lily’s drama club, David’s
workplace, Laura’s workplace, the cricket team, and the family therapist.
, Internal Family Dynamics
David and George (father–son): Their relationship is
characterised by long-standing emotional distance and criticism.
George’s authoritarian parenting style and David’s struggle to meet
his father’s expectations continue to affect their bond. This
intergenerational conflict is shown with a jagged line, symbolising
unresolved tension that influences how David now interacts with
his own children.
David and Laura (marital dyad): Their dynamic reflects a
withdrawal–pursuit pattern, where David emotionally withdraws
during conflict while Laura seeks closeness and resolution. This is
depicted by a jagged line, indicating strain, miscommunication,
and unmet emotional needs within the marriage.
Laura and Jake (mother–son): This relationship is enmeshed, as
Laura leans heavily on Jake for emotional support, particularly
when conflicts arise with David. The double line represents this
over-involvement, which contributes to Jake’s emotional burden
and parentified role.
David and Jake (father–son): Their bond is weak and
emotionally distant, with David struggling to connect due to his
upbringing. A thin line illustrates this lack of closeness, which has
left Jake vulnerable to feelings of rejection and isolation.
Jake and Lily (siblings): Their relationship is dismissive and
distant. Lily often minimises Jake’s struggles as “moodiness,”
showing limited empathy. This is shown with a thin line.
Laura and Lily (mother–daughter): This relationship is
relatively stable but not as central as Laura’s connection with Jake.
A moderately strong line represents a supportive but less
emotionally intense bond.
Extended Family
Evelyn (65): She has an emotional presence in the family but is
limited by her anxiety and chronic health issues. Her relationship
September 2025; 100% trusted ,comprehensive and complete
reliable solution with clear explanation.
Alternative Exam
Due Date: 17 September 2025 09h00 (No extensions can be granted for
an exam)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWER GUIDE FROM THE CASE STUDY
Question 1:
Draw an ecomap to illustrate the current family dynamics in the Jackson
family. You can hand draw the ecomap, or you can use a free family
genogram programme. (20)
Question 1 Answer: Ecomap of the Jackson Family
An ecomap is a visual representation of a family’s internal and external
relationships. It illustrates the quality, strength, and direction of these
connections by using different types of lines: solid lines for strong and
supportive ties, jagged lines for conflict, dotted or thin lines for weak or
distant ties, and double lines for enmeshment or over-involvement. In
clinical practice, an ecomap helps a psychologist or family therapist
identify both sources of stress and potential resources available to a
family.
In the Jackson family’s case, the nuclear family (David, Laura, Jake, and
Lily) is placed at the centre of the map. Surrounding them are extended
family members (George, Evelyn, and Peter) and external systems such
as Jake’s school, the school counsellor, Lily’s drama club, David’s
workplace, Laura’s workplace, the cricket team, and the family therapist.
, Internal Family Dynamics
David and George (father–son): Their relationship is
characterised by long-standing emotional distance and criticism.
George’s authoritarian parenting style and David’s struggle to meet
his father’s expectations continue to affect their bond. This
intergenerational conflict is shown with a jagged line, symbolising
unresolved tension that influences how David now interacts with
his own children.
David and Laura (marital dyad): Their dynamic reflects a
withdrawal–pursuit pattern, where David emotionally withdraws
during conflict while Laura seeks closeness and resolution. This is
depicted by a jagged line, indicating strain, miscommunication,
and unmet emotional needs within the marriage.
Laura and Jake (mother–son): This relationship is enmeshed, as
Laura leans heavily on Jake for emotional support, particularly
when conflicts arise with David. The double line represents this
over-involvement, which contributes to Jake’s emotional burden
and parentified role.
David and Jake (father–son): Their bond is weak and
emotionally distant, with David struggling to connect due to his
upbringing. A thin line illustrates this lack of closeness, which has
left Jake vulnerable to feelings of rejection and isolation.
Jake and Lily (siblings): Their relationship is dismissive and
distant. Lily often minimises Jake’s struggles as “moodiness,”
showing limited empathy. This is shown with a thin line.
Laura and Lily (mother–daughter): This relationship is
relatively stable but not as central as Laura’s connection with Jake.
A moderately strong line represents a supportive but less
emotionally intense bond.
Extended Family
Evelyn (65): She has an emotional presence in the family but is
limited by her anxiety and chronic health issues. Her relationship
