and Answers Updated
2026
# Term Definition
1 Family system theory
- The family is viewed as a whole
system, instead of the individual
members. - A change to one member
affects the entire system - The system
can both initiate and react to change. -
Too much and too little change can
lead to dysfunction
2 Family stress theory
- Describes stress as inevitable
Stressors can be expected or
unexpected - Explains the reaction of a
family to stressful events. - Offers
guidance for adapting to stress.
3 Developmental theory
- Views families as a small group that
interacts with the larger social system
- Emphasizes similarities and
consistencies in how families develop
and change - Uses Duavall's family life
stages to describe the changes a
family goes through over time - How
the family functions in one stage has a
direct effect on how the family will
function in the next stage.
4 Traditional nuclear family
Married couple and their biologic
children (only full brothers and sisters)?
,ATI PEDIATRICS
5 Nuclear family
Two parents and their children
(biologic, adoptive, step, foster)
6 Single-parent family
One parent and one or more children
7 Blended family (also called reconstituted)
At least one stepparent, stepsibling,or
half-sibling
8 Extended family
At least one parent, one child, and
their individuals either related or not
# Term Definition
9 Gay/Lesbian family
Two members of the same sex who
have children and a legal or common-
law tie
10 Foster family
A child or children who have been
placed in an approved living
environment away from the family of
origin - usually with one or two
parents.
11 Binuclear family
Parents who have terminated spousal
roles but continue their parenting roles
12 Communal family
Individuals who share common
ownership of property and goods and
exchange services without monetary
consideration
13 Dictatorial or authoritarian parenting style
Parents try to control the child's
behaviors and attitudes through
unquestioned rules and expectations
, ATI PEDIATRICS
14 Permissive parenting style
Parents exert little or no control over
the child's behaviors, and consult the
child when making decisions
15 Democratic or authoritative parenting style
Parents direct the child's behavior by
setting rules and explaining the reason
for reach rule setting. Parents
negatively reinforce deviations from
the rules.
16 Passive parenting style
Parents are uninvolved, indifferent, and
emotionally removed.
# Term Definition
17 Positive parental influences
- Parents have good mental health -
Structure and routine is maintained in
the household. Parents engage in
activities with the child - There is
communication that validates the
child's feelings - The child is monitored
for safety with special consideration for
her developmental needs.
18 Guidelines for promoting acceptable behavior in children
- Set clear and realistic limits and
expectations based on the
developmental level of the child
Validate the child's feelings, and offer
sympathetic explanations. Provide role
modeling and reinforcement for
appropriate behavior - Focus on the
child's behavior when disciplining the
child.
19 History
Medical history for parents, siblings,
and grandparents