In which model is the family viewed as an organism that is more than the sum of its parts?

• A. Behavioral model
• B. Psychoanalytic model
• C. Systems model
• D. Cognitive-behavioral model

Answer: (C)

The systems model views the family as an interconnected unit, operating together in complex and interdependent ways. This perspective emphasizes that the relationships and dynamics within a family create a whole that is greater than simply the sum of individual members.

In this model, family members influence each other and the system overall, meaning that changes or stressors affecting one member can cascade through the entire family. This holistic approach allows practitioners to understand the patterns, roles, and communication styles within a family, facilitating more effective interventions that account for the family dynamics rather than just individual behaviors or psychological issues.

Other models, such as the behavioral or cognitive-behavioral models, tend to focus more on specific individual behaviors or cognitive processes in isolation, without encompassing the broader relational context. The psychoanalytic model, while it considers family dynamics, primarily centers around internal processes and unconscious motivations rather than viewing the family system as a whole organism. Hence, the systems model is the most fitting for the description provided in the question.