Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which term describes the tendency for families to maintain their normal interactions unless disrupted?

1. Triangulation

2. Homeostasis

3. Circular causality

4. Quid pro quo

The correct answer is: Homeostasis

The term that describes the tendency for families to maintain their normal interactions unless disrupted is homeostasis. In the context of family systems theory, homeostasis refers to the balance that families strive to maintain in their interpersonal relationships and interactions. This balance allows families to operate within established patterns or norms, providing a sense of stability and predictability. When a disruption occurs, such as changes in dynamics or external stressors, families may respond to restore that equilibrium. Homeostasis underscores how families have a sort of internal regulation system that encourages the maintenance of certain communication patterns, roles, and behaviors. Thus, it is integral to understanding how families respond to stress and change while attempting to return to their previous functioning state. The other terms refer to different concepts. Triangulation involves a three-person dynamic where two members of a family may involve a third member to manage conflicts or to stabilize their relationship. Circular causality describes the idea that behavior within a family is interconnected, meaning that each member's actions influence one another in a cyclical manner. Quid pro quo refers to a mutually beneficial exchange, often seen in negotiation or transactional scenarios, rather than in the context of family dynamics. Understanding this distinction further reinforces why homeostasis is the most appropriate choice in this context.