Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

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In a therapy session, when a normally mild-mannered father yells, causing his daughter to react, this scenario illustrates which concept?

  1. Positive feedback

  2. Scapegoating

  3. Family homeostasis

  4. The double-bind

The correct answer is: Family homeostasis

The scenario with the father yelling during the therapy session illustrates the concept of family homeostasis. Family homeostasis refers to the tendency of a family system to maintain stability and balance in its interactions, behaviors, and emotional responses. When the typically calm father suddenly raises his voice, it disrupts the established equilibrium within the family. This kind of shift can elicit strong reactions, such as the daughter's response, highlighting how changes in one family member's behavior can affect the whole system. With family homeostasis, families often resist changes that threaten their established patterns, which can lead to tension and conflict when unexpected behaviors arise. This moment in therapy captures the essence of that dynamic, showing how a member's deviation from typical behavior can challenge the family's overall balance.