Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What does the term "Crisis of Accession" refer to in family therapy?

1. A disruption due to new family member integration

2. A conflict arising from family disbandment

3. A challenge during transitional periods

4. An adjustment difficulty following divorce

The correct answer is: A disruption due to new family member integration

The term "Crisis of Accession" in family therapy specifically refers to the challenges and disruptions that occur when a new family member is integrated into an existing family system. This could be the arrival of a baby, the blending of families in remarriage, or the introduction of a step-parent or new partner into a family dynamic. During such transitions, existing relationships, roles, and dynamics may be disrupted, causing stress and potential conflict among family members as they navigate these changes. This can lead to feelings of ambivalence, competition for attention, and shifts in family hierarchies, requiring families to adapt and renegotiate their roles to accommodate the new member effectively. In contrast, challenges arising from family disbandment focus on the different issues related to separation or divorce rather than the onboarding of new members. Transitional periods can indeed present challenges, but the specific context of a "Crisis of Accession" emphasizes the integration of new family members rather than broader transitions. Adjustment difficulties following divorce pertain to the aftermath of separation rather than the incorporation of new individuals into the family structure.