PYC4808 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 17 September 2025

Case Study: The Jackson Family Background: The Jackson family consists of three generations: the grandparents (George (71) and Evelyn Jackson (65)), their son (David Jackson, 45), his wife (Laura Jackson, 41), and their two children—Jake (17) and Lily (13). Laura’s father, Peter, is 70 and lives in a retirement village. Her mother passed a year ago, at age 68. The family lives in a suburban area in Pinetown. Jake was referred to psychotherapy by his school counsellor due to signs of depression, declining academic performance, and increasing social withdrawal over the past six months. Jake, currently in matric (grade 12), had previously been a high-achieving student and athlete. However, over the past 6 months, his grades have dropped significantly, he has quit the cricket team, and has become increasingly isolated. He spends most of his time in his room, gaming or sleeping, and has little interaction with family or peers. Jake has also expressed feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness. He denies suicidal ideation but reports chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating. His parents, David and Laura, brought him to a family therapist at the urging of the school, although David initially expressed scepticism about psychotherapy. Family History: George Jackson (71) is a retired military officer, emotionally reserved, highly disciplined, and authoritative. George had little involvement in raising his children emotionally but emphasised obedience, order, and achievement. Evelyn Jackson (65) was always a stay at home wife and mother, more emotionally expressive than George but often deferential to his authority. She took on the emotional caretaking of the children but struggled with anxiety and chronic health issues. George tended to make the rules in the family, with little resistance from Evelyn. David Jackson (45) is an only child, and is a mechanical engineer, is pragmatic and focused on problem-solving, often emotionally distant. He grew up striving to meet his father's standards and rarely received praise or emotional validation. David has a perfectionistic streak and struggles with expressing emotions. Laura Jackson (41) is a schoolteacher. She is warm and nurturing but tends to over-function in the family, often absorbing the emotional needs of her children and spouse. Laura comes from a family with a history of enmeshment and covert emotional loyalty. She is often the mediator in family conflicts and takes on the role of peacekeeper. Jake Jackson (17) is described as highly sensitive and introspective, with a history of perfectionism and high achievement. He is labelled as the “family’s “golden child” until recently. Lily Jackson (13) is outgoing, socially active, and does well in school. Appears well-adjusted but often makes dismissive comments about Jake’s “moodiness” and seems to have adapted to being the "easy child." Family History & Dynamics: David grew up in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, particularly by his father George. As a result, David learned to suppress his feelings and channelled his energies into academic and career success. His relationship with George remains emotionally distant; George often criticises David for being “too soft” with his own children. Evelyn, though more emotionally available, was often consumed with her own anxiety and health issues and relied heavily on David for emotional support. Laura, in contrast, came from a family where emotions were frequently discussed, albeit with blurred boundaries. Her mother often leaned on Laura for emotional support during her parents' tumultuous marriage. As a result, Laura developed an over-functioning style, attempting to care for everyone’s emotional needs, often at the cost of her own well-being. When David and Laura married, their contrasting emotional styles created tension. David often withdraws during conflict, while Laura pursues closeness and resolution. This dynamic plays out in their parenting: David holds high expectations but struggles to connect emotionally with his children, while Laura tries to compensate by being overly involved, particularly with Jake. Jake was an ideal child in the family system, was always high achieving, compliant, and emotionally sensitive. He internalised the family’s unspoken rules around performance and emotional suppression, especially from his father. As adolescence progressed, the pressure to maintain this idealised role, combined with a lack of space to express vulnerability, led to internal distress. Laura began leaning more heavily on Jake emotionally, especially when conflicts with David arose, further entanglinJagke in a parentified role. Jake’s withdrawal began around the time of two significant events: 1. George moved into a nearby assisted living facility due to early signs of dementia. This caused emotional ripple effects across the family, especially for David, who began to emotionally retreat further under the weight of unprocessed grief and unresolved issues with his father. 2. Jake was rejected from a prestigious holiday internship programme at an accounting firm. Though not catastrophic, this failure seemed to shake Jake’s internalised belief that his worth was tied to performance. As Jake’s symptoms worsened, David responded by minimising the issue (“He’s just being dramatic”), while Laura intensified her involvement, constantly checking in on him, prompting him to withdraw further. Differentiate between first order and second order change. In your answer, provide an example of each. Lily, meanwhile, has adapted by staying out of the emotional mess, becoming increasingly independent but also emotionally disconnected from the family. She has joined the drama club recently, and tends to spend many hours after school at rehearsals. Case Study: The Jackson Family Background: The Jackson family consists of three generations: the grandparents (George (71) and Evelyn Jackson (65)), their son (David Jackson, 45), his wife (Laura Jackson, 41), and their two children—Jake (17) and Lily (13). Laura’s father, Peter, is 70 and lives in a retirement village. Her mother passed a year ago, at age 68. The family lives in a suburban area in Pinetown. Jake was referred to psychotherapy by his school counsellor due to signs of depression, declining academic performance, and increasing social withdrawal over the past six months. Jake, currently in matric (grade 12), had previously been a high-achieving student and athlete. However, over the past 6 months, his grades have dropped significantly, he has quit the cricket team, and has become increasingly isolated. He spends most of his time in his room, gaming or sleeping, and has little interaction with family or peers. Jake has also expressed feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness. He denies suicidal ideation but reports chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating. His parents, David and Laura, brought him to a family therapist at the urging of the school, although David initially expressed scepticism about psychotherapy. Family History: George Jackson (71) is a retired military officer, emotionally reserved, highly disciplined, and authoritative. George had little involvement in raising his children emotionally but emphasised obedience, order, and achievement. Evelyn Jackson (65) was always a stay at home wife and mother, more emotionally expressive than George but often deferential to his authority. She took on the emotional caretaking of the children but struggled with anxiety and chronic health issues. George tended to make the rules in the family, with little resistance from Evelyn. David Jackson (45) is an only child, and is a mechanical engineer, is pragmatic and focused on problem-solving, often emotionally distant. He grew up striving to meet his father's standards and rarely received praise or emotional validation. David has a perfectionistic streak and struggles with expressing emotions. Laura Jackson (41) is a schoolteacher. She is warm and nurturing but tends to over-function in the family, often absorbing the emotional needs of her children and spouse. Laura comes from a family with a history of enmeshment and covert emotional loyalty. She is often the mediator in family conflicts and takes on the role of peacekeeper. Jake Jackson (17) is described as highly sensitive and introspective, with a history of perfectionism and high achievement. He is labelled as the “family’s “golden child” until recently. Discuss the first order and second order cybernetic ethical considerations the psychologist should be mindful of. In your answer include comments on the critique of systems theory. Lily Jackson (13) is outgoing, socially active, and does well in school. Appears well-adjusted but often makes dismissive comments about Jake’s “moodiness” and seems to have adapted to being the "easy child." Family History & Dynamics: David grew up in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, particularly by his father George. As a result, David learned to suppress his feelings and channelled his energies into academic and career success. His relationship with George remains emotionally distant; George often criticises David for being “too soft” with his own children. Evelyn, though more emotionally available, was often consumed with her own anxiety and health issues and relied heavily on David for emotional support. Laura, in contrast, came from a family where emotions were frequently discussed, albeit with blurred boundaries. Her mother often leaned on Laura for emotional support during her parents' tumultuous marriage. As a result, Laura developed an over-functioning style, attempting to care for everyone’s emotional needs, often at the cost of her own well-being. When David and Laura married, their contrasting emotional styles created tension. David often withdraws during conflict, while Laura pursues closeness and resolution. This dynamic plays out in their parenting: David holds high expectations but struggles to connect emotionally with his children, while Laura tries to compensate by being overly involved, particularly with Jake. Jake was an ideal child in the family system, was always high achieving, compliant, and emotionally sensitive. Describe the family and Jakes symptoms using Murray Bowen’s Family Systems theory. He internalised the family’s unspoken rules around performance and emotional suppression, especially from his father. As adolescence progressed, the pressure to maintain this idealised role, combined with a lack of space to express vulnerability, led to internal distress. Laura began leaning more heavily on Jake emotionally, especially when conflicts with David arose, further entanglinJagke in a parentified role. Jake’s withdrawal began around the time of two significant events: 1. George moved into a nearby assisted living facility due to early signs of dementia. This caused emotional ripple effects across the family, especially for David, who began to emotionally retreat further under the weight of unprocessed grief and unresolved issues with his father. Jake has been referred to a psychologist for family therapy. How would the psychologist describe the family system from a first order cybernetic perspective? Include in your answer describe what the role of a psychologist would be (from a first order cybernetic perspective/ Also provide a discussion of the following concepts (provide examples from the case study): e Recursion e Rules and boundaries e Openness and closedness e Triangles e Relationship style 2. Jake was rejected from a prestigious holiday internship programme at an accounting firm. Though not catastrophic, this failure seemed to shake Jake’s internalised belief that his worth was tied to performance. As Jake’s symptoms worsened, David responded by minimising the issue (“He’s just being dramatic”), while Laura intensified her involvement, constantly checking in on him, prompting him to withdraw further. 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). Lily, meanwhile, has adapted by staying out of the emotional mess, becoming increasingly independent but also emotionally disconnected from the family. She has joined the drama club recently, and tends to spend many hours after school at rehearsals. Case Study: The Jackson Family Background: The Jackson family consists of three generations: the grandparents (George (71) and Evelyn Jackson (65)), their son (David Jackson, 45), his wife (Laura Jackson, 41), and their two children—Jake (17) and Lily (13). Laura’s father, Peter, is 70 and lives in a retirement village. Her mother passed a year ago, at age 68. The family lives in a suburban area in Pinetown. Jake was referred to psychotherapy by his school counsellor due to signs of depression, declining academic performance, and increasing social withdrawal over the past six months. Jake, currently in matric (grade 12), had previously been a high-achieving student and athlete. However, over the past 6 months, his grades have dropped significantly, he has quit the cricket team, and has become increasingly isolated. He spends most of his time in his room, gaming or sleeping, and has little interaction with family or peers. Jake has also expressed feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness. He denies suicidal ideation but reports chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating. His parents, David and Laura, brought him to a family therapist at the urging of the school, although David initially expressed scepticism about psychotherapy. Family History: George Jackson (71) is a retired military officer, emotionally reserved, highly disciplined, and authoritative. George had little involvement in raising his children emotionally but emphasised obedience, order, and achievement. Evelyn Jackson (65) was always a stay at home wife and mother, more emotionally expressive than George but often deferential to his authority. She took on the emotional caretaking of the children but struggled with anxiety and chronic health issues. George tended to make the rules in the family, with little resistance from Evelyn. David Jackson (45) is an only child, and is a mechanical engineer, is pragmatic and focused on problem-solving, often emotionally distant. He grew up striving to meet his father's standards and rarely received praise or emotional validation. David has a perfectionistic streak and struggles with expressing emotions. Laura Jackson (41) is a schoolteacher. She is warm and nurturing but tends to over-function in the family, often absorbing the emotional needs of her children and spouse. Laura comes from a family with a history of enmeshment and covert emotional loyalty. She is often the mediator in family conflicts and takes on the role of peacekeeper. Jake Jackson (17) is described as highly sensitive and introspective, with a history of perfectionism and high achievement. He is labelled as the “family’s “golden child” until recently. Lily Jackson (13) is outgoing, socially active, and does well in school. Appears well-adjusted but often makes dismissive comments about Jake’s “moodiness” and seems to have adapted to being the "easy child." Family History & Dynamics: David grew up in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, particularly by his father George. As a result, David learned to suppress his feelings and channelled his energies into academic and career success. His relationship with George remains emotionally distant; George often criticises David for being “too soft” with his own children. Evelyn, though more emotionally available, was often consumed with her own anxiety and health issues and relied heavily on David for emotional support. Laura, in contrast, came from a family where emotions were frequently discussed, albeit with blurred boundaries. Her mother often leaned on Laura for emotional support during her parents' tumultuous marriage. As a result, Laura developed an over-functioning style, attempting to care for everyone’s emotional needs, often at the cost of her own well-being. When David and Laura married, their contrasting emotional styles created tension. David often withdraws during conflict, while Laura pursues closeness and resolution. This dynamic plays out in their parenting: David holds high expectations but struggles to connect emotionally with his children, while Laura tries to compensate by being overly involved, particularly with Jake. Jake was an ideal child in the family system, was always high achieving, compliant, and emotionally sensitive. He internalised the family’s unspoken rules around performance and emotional suppression, especially from his father. As adolescence progressed, the pressure to maintain this idealised role, combined with a lack of space to express vulnerability, led to internal distress. Laura began leaning more heavily on Jake emotionally, especially when conflicts with David arose, further entanglinJagke in a parentified role. Jake’s withdrawal began around the time of two significant events: 1. George moved into a nearby assisted living facility due to early signs of dementia. This caused emotional ripple effects across the family, especially for David, who began to emotionally retreat further under the weight of unprocessed grief and unresolved issues with his father. 2. Jake was rejected from a prestigious holiday internship programme at an accounting firm. Though not catastrophic, this failure seemed to shake Jake’s internalised belief that his worth was tied to performance. As Jake’s symptoms worsened, David responded by minimising the issue (“He’s just being dramatic”), while Laura intensified her involvement, constantly checking in on him, prompting him to withdraw further. Differentiate between first order and second order change. In your answer, provide an example of each. Lily, meanwhile, has adapted by staying out of the emotional mess, becoming increasingly independent but also emotionally disconnected from the family. She has joined the drama club recently, and tends to spend many hours after school at rehearsals. Case Study: The Jackson Family Background: The Jackson family consists of three generations: the grandparents (George (71) and Evelyn Jackson (65)), their son (David Jackson, 45), his wife (Laura Jackson, 41), and their two children—Jake (17) and Lily (13). Laura’s father, Peter, is 70 and lives in a retirement village. Her mother passed a year ago, at age 68. The family lives in a suburban area in Pinetown. Jake was referred to psychotherapy by his school counsellor due to signs of depression, declining academic performance, and increasing social withdrawal over the past six months. Jake, currently in matric (grade 12), had previously been a high-achieving student and athlete. However, over the past 6 months, his grades have dropped significantly, he has quit the cricket team, and has become increasingly isolated. He spends most of his time in his room, gaming or sleeping, and has little interaction with family or peers. Jake has also expressed feelings of hopelessness and meaninglessness. He denies suicidal ideation but reports chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating. His parents, David and Laura, brought him to a family therapist at the urging of the school, although David initially expressed scepticism about psychotherapy. Family History: George Jackson (71) is a retired military officer, emotionally reserved, highly disciplined, and authoritative. George had little involvement in raising his children emotionally but emphasised obedience, order, and achievement. Evelyn Jackson (65) was always a stay at home wife and mother, more emotionally expressive than George but often deferential to his authority. She took on the emotional caretaking of the children but struggled with anxiety and chronic health issues. George tended to make the rules in the family, with little resistance from Evelyn. David Jackson (45) is an only child, and is a mechanical engineer, is pragmatic and focused on problem-solving, often emotionally distant. He grew up striving to meet his father's standards and rarely received praise or emotional validation. David has a perfectionistic streak and struggles with expressing emotions. Laura Jackson (41) is a schoolteacher. She is warm and nurturing but tends to over-function in the family, often absorbing the emotional needs of her children and spouse. Laura comes from a family with a history of enmeshment and covert emotional loyalty. She is often the mediator in family conflicts and takes on the role of peacekeeper. Jake Jackson (17) is described as highly sensitive and introspective, with a history of perfectionism and high achievement. He is labelled as the “family’s “golden child” until recently. Discuss the first order and second order cybernetic ethical considerations the psychologist should be mindful of. In your answer include comments on the critique of systems theory. Lily Jackson (13) is outgoing, socially active, and does well in school. Appears well-adjusted but often makes dismissive comments about Jake’s “moodiness” and seems to have adapted to being the "easy child." Family History & Dynamics: David grew up in a home where emotional expression was discouraged, particularly by his father George. As a result, David learned to suppress his feelings and channelled his energies into academic and career success. His relationship with George remains emotionally distant; George often criticises David for being “too soft” with his own children. Evelyn, though more emotionally available, was often consumed with her own anxiety and health issues and relied heavily on David for emotional support. Laura, in contrast, came from a family where emotions were frequently discussed, albeit with blurred boundaries. Her mother often leaned on Laura for emotional support during her parents' tumultuous marriage. As a result, Laura developed an over-functioning style, attempting to care for everyone’s emotional needs, often at the cost of her own well-being. When David and Laura married, their contrasting emotional styles created tension. David often withdraws during conflict, while Laura pursues closeness and resolution. This dynamic plays out in their parenting: David holds high expectations but struggles to connect emotionally with his children, while Laura tries to compensate by being overly involved, particularly with Jake. Jake was an ideal child in the family system, was always high achieving, compliant, and emotionally sensitive. Describe the family and Jakes symptoms using Murray Bowen’s Family Systems theory. He internalised the family’s unspoken rules around performance and emotional suppression, especially from his father. As adolescence progressed, the pressure to maintain this idealised role, combined with a lack of space to express vulnerability, led to internal distress. Laura began leaning more heavily on Jake emotionally, especially when conflicts with David arose, further entanglinJagke in a parentified role. Jake’s withdrawal began around the time of two significant events: 1. George moved into a nearby assisted living facility due to early signs of dementia. This caused emotional ripple effects across the family, especially for David, who began to emotionally retreat further under the weight of unprocessed grief and unresolved issues with his father. Jake has been referred to a psychologist for family therapy. How would the psychologist describe the family system from a first order cybernetic perspective? Include in your answer describe what the role of a psychologist would be (from a first order cybernetic perspective/ Also provide a discussion of the following concepts (provide examples from the case study): e Recursion e Rules and boundaries e Openness and closedness e Triangles e Relationship style 2. Jake was rejected from a prestigious holiday internship programme at an accounting firm. Though not catastrophic, this failure seemed to shake Jake’s internalised belief that his worth was tied to performance. As Jake’s symptoms worsened, David responded by minimising the issue (“He’s just being dramatic”), while Laura intensified her involvement, constantly checking in on him, prompting him to withdraw further. 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). Lily, meanwhile, has adapted by staying out of the emotional mess, becoming increasingly independent but also emotionally disconnected from the family. She has joined the drama club recently, and tends to spend many hours after school at rehearsals.