Specifications: 4-6 pages

    typed, double spaced, 1 inch margins

  10-12 pt. font

 note: papers will be evaluated for content and quality

 of writing

Models/Assignments for Analysis of Families 

1. Discuss and analyze the impact of a stressor/crisis on your family system (or another family system that you know well) using the Double ABCX Model. Identify and describe the factors that contributed to the family’s bonadaptation or maladaptation.

Briefly describe the context in which the stressor/crisis emerged.

2.  Complete the Family Rating Scale on the three dimensions of

cohesion, flexibility, and communication (for 3 points in time during

your family life cycle. Plot the ratings on cohesion and flexibility on

the Family Circumplex Model.

 What was it like to live in your family system?

 How did it change over the years? What were the factors that

  triggered change?

 In what ways (related to cohesion and adaptability) was your

  family satisfying and frustrating?

 Did your family change on the circumplex model during times of

  high stress? Explain. Describe. Give examples.

    Or

 If you are dating someone, are engaged or married, you and your

partner complete the Family Rating Scale twice. Each of you are

to answer the questions in two ways -- in relationship to your

family of origin and in terms of your concept of the ideal

marriage. Compare your partner’s scores with your scores.  

Discuss similarities and differences.

3. Complete the McMaster Family Assessment Device (available

from the instructor or teaching assistant). Ask at least one other

family member to also complete the questionnaire. Compare and

contrast the two scores/perceptions of family functioning. To what

do you attribute the similar/different perceptions and scores? 

Include a discussion of your shared and nonshared environments,

etc.

4. Complete the Self-Report Inventory (Beavers Systems Model) on

page 101 of your text . Ask at least one other family member to

also complete the questionnaire. Compare and contrast the two

scores/perceptions of family functioning and style. To what do you

attribute the similar/different perceptions and scores? Include a

discussion of your shared and nonshared environments, etc.

Note: For # 3 and 4, see the teaching assistant for help with

  scoring and interpretation of the scales.