The nurse is meeting a family for the first time for family therapy. The husband/father is an accountant and is skeptical of the idea that talking can be helpful. The wife/mother is a teacher who states she is not skillful in conflict resolution. The daughter, age 15, is rebellious and in academic trouble. The son, age 17, is conflicted about where to attend college. According to family systems therapy who would be most likely to be listed as the 'identified patient"?

Choice A Reason:

Differentiation is incorrect. Differentiation refers to the ability of family members to maintain their individuality while remaining emotionally connected. It is not directly related to involving a third person in conflicts.

Choice B Reason:

Scapegoating is incorrect. Scapegoating involves blaming one family member for the family's problems. While this can be a dysfunctional family dynamic, it is not specifically about involving a third person in conflicts.

Choice C Reason:

Double Binding is incorrect. Double binding involves conflicting messages that create a no-win situation for the recipient. It does not specifically involve the inclusion of a third person in conflicts as observed in the given scenario.

Choice D Reason:

Triangulation is correct. Triangulation in family systems therapy occurs when a third person, often a child, is involved in the conflicts between two other family members. In this scenario, Kate is venting her frustrations to her younger son, which creates a triangle or three-person dynamic in the family system. Triangulation can serve as a way for family members to stabilize their relationships by shifting the focus or tension onto a third party.

Choice A Reason:

Authoritarian is incorrect. Authoritarian leadership is characterized by a leader who makes decisions unilaterally and expects strict compliance from group members.

Choice B Reason:

Autocratic is incorrect. Autocratic leadership is similar to authoritarian leadership, where the leader has centralized control, makes decisions without input from others, and expects obedience.

Choice C Reason:

Laissez-faire is correct. The leadership style demonstrated in this scenario is Laissez-faire. In a laissez-faire leadership style, the leader takes a hands-off approach and allows group members to have significant freedom in decision-making and behavior. The leader provides minimal guidance and only intervenes when asked or when absolutely necessary.

Choice D Reason:

Democratic is incorrect. Democratic leadership involves collaboration and shared decision-making among group members. The leader seeks input from the group and values the participation of all members in decision-making processes.