1. Was this an open or closed family system? Give evidence to support your opinion.
2. Describe the boundaries, the level of differentiation-subsystems (spousal, children, spouse-child, intergenerational).
3. Describe the power structure-the hierarchy. Is the system autocratic or democratic or other? Who was the leader of this unit? Did this person maintain authority at all times? Was authority shared at times?
4. Describe the leadership style? (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire...)
5. Describe Communication style(s). How did this family relate-Look at blaming, scapegoating, etc.
6. How was CHANGE brought about (positive/negative feedback)? What was the reaction to change (homeostasis)? Pay attention to coalitions, triangles, etc.
7. As you consider finances-what influence did money have on the system?
8. What was the influence on family members of education or lack of education?
9. What was the influence on the family members of values taught and practiced?
10. Was God/Christ/spirituality a part of daily life? In what way? What influence do you (or the person you are questioning) think this had?
11. Describe how conflict happened. Describe patterns you have observed. What was the attitude about conflict? What skills were used to deal with conflict? If conflict was addressed-by whom, how was it resolved? What were the sources of conflict?
12. Who was the disciplinarian(s), what methods were used? How did discipline methods
influence the members of this family?
13. If your family has experienced divorce, death, drug use, alcoholism, birth defects, mental or physical illness, etc. How has this affected your family?