AMFTRB National MFT Exam
Psuedomutality
(Ans- describes a systemic pretense of harmony and closeness that hides
conflict and interferes with intimacy (Lyman Wynne, 1940s)
Psuedohostility
(Ans- Arguing and bickering that hides “pathological alignments” in families
A volatile and intense way of disguising and distorting both affection and
splits
Prevents open communication and quality relationships (Lyman Wynne,
1940s)
Rubber-Fence Boundary
(Ans- Families are seemingly yielding, but are in fact nearly impermeable
to information from the outside; boundaries bind them together in their
resistance to separation” Appear open and flexible but are closed. (Lyman
Wynne, 1940s)
John Bowlby
(Ans- Attachment theory. Identified the characteristics of a child’s
attachment to his/her caregiver and the phases that a child experiences
when separated from the caregiver.
Different attachment styles (Bowlby, 1949)
(Ans-
- Secure Attachment
- Insecure Attachment (Anxious-Avoidant)
- Insecure Attachment (Ambivalent-Resistant)
- Disorganized/Disoriented Attachment
Theodore Lidz
(Ans- Professor out of Yale, researched schizophrenia and the marital
couple’s influence on the development of schizophrenia in a child (1950s)
-Marital Schism: Parents overly focused on their own problems which
harms the marriage, individuals, and the children.
-Marital Skew: One parent dominates the family and the other is
dependent.
“Family process” (peer-reviewed journal)
(Ans- Founded by Don Jackson and Nathan Ackerman, edited by Jay
Haley (1962)
Mental Research Institute (MRI)
(Ans- MRI; Mental Research Institute A center for the study of families in
Palo, Alto, CA whose researchers and practioners- Bateson, Jackson,
Satir, Weakland, Fry, and Haley studied schizophrenia and family
interactions, communication, and cybernetic theory. They emphasized
process and interactional sequences rather than structure, and
distinguished between first-order and second-order change. They
developed a version of Brief Family Therapy based on the notion that the
“problem” or tx focus, stems from the failed solution previously attempted
by the family.
Norbert Wiener
(Ans- Coined the term and theory “cybernetics”
General Systems Theory
(Ans- living systems are like cybernetic systems that are equipped w/
complex feed systems capable of maintaining a desired state of affairs (i.e.
homeostasis) → leads to Bowlby’s system of behavior control
Double bind theory
(Ans- distinct pattern of communication in which one individual receives
contradictory commands from which there is no escape (lose, lose
situation)
6 characteristic of a double bind
(Ans1) Communication involves 2 or more people who are involved in an
important emotional relationship.
2) The pattern of communication and the relationship is a repeated
experience.
3) The communication involves a primary negative injunction–or a
command not to do (some act) or not to NOT do (some act), either of which
come with a threat of punishment.
4) A second abstract injunction is given that contradicts the primary
injunction but at a more abstract level and is usually nonverbal. This also
occurs under the threat of punishment.
5) A third negative injunction both demands a response and prevents
escape, effectively binding the recipient to the environment in which these
patterns exist.
6) When the above double bind messages have been communicated
enough times, the individual has become conditioned which no longer
requires all of the above mentioned criteria to be present in order to elicit
the same intensity in response (panic, rage, schizophrenia).
Bertrand Russell
(Ans- Theory of Logical Types
Ludwig von Bertalanffy
(Ans- General Systems Theory
Milton Erickson
(Ans- Hypnosis and paradox
Gregory Bateson
(Ans- Human Communication Processes (influenced by Russell, Von
Bertalanffy, Wiener, Erickson)
Strategic Family Therapy
(Ans- Jay Haley
Emphasizes change techniques over theory. Influenced by Milton Erickson
Therapist is very directive, especially useful with change-resistant families
Techniques: Take charge role, directives, paradoxical directives, ordeals,
out-positioning, reframing
Milan Systemic Family Therapy
(Ans- A theory and therapeutic model influenced by Bateson and the MRI
Group, originally developed in Italy by Selvini Palazzoli, Boscolo, Cecchin,
and Prata. The primary techniques associated with the early Milan group
were rituals and positive connotations. The Milan Group split in the early
1980s with Selvini Palazzoli and Prata forming one group, adhering to the
strategic model and developing a ritualistic technique, invariant
prescription, to counteract the dirty game, or power struggle between the
parents and their child. Boscolo and Cecchin moved away from the
strategic approach, developing a collaborative style of therapy. In this
model, problems are maintained when the family holds to an old
epistemology that does not fit its current circumstance. The therapist
introduces new information indirectly by asking questions and the family
solves problems themselves as they develop a new epistemology. The
therapist/client interactions within the session are the treatment. In their
interviews they displayed a curious attitude about the family and the
meanings they derived from their experiences and interchanges.
General Systems Theory definition
(Ans- GST proposed that all living systems share universal characteristics.
Fundamental principle is idea that the whole of the system is more than the
sum of its parts. To understand the system as a whole, must understand
the dynamic, circular functioning between the parts.
Cybernetics
(Ans- the study of information processing, feedback, and control in
communication systems