Individual Practice SWES Practice Test

According to Haley's theory, what is necessary for change to occur in a family system?

1. The family's commitment to therapy

2. The social worker's intervention in the system

3. External community support

4. A complete family overhaul

The correct answer is: The social worker's intervention in the system

Haley's theory emphasizes the pivotal role of the therapist's intervention in facilitating change within a family system. This approach is grounded in the belief that families operate as systems, where patterns of interaction influence behavior and dynamics. When a social worker intervenes, they can identify and disrupt maladaptive patterns, introduce new strategies for interaction, and help the family develop more effective ways of relating to each other. Intervention may involve direct strategies like reframing problems, restructuring interactions, or emphasizing behavioral changes to alter the family's dynamics. The therapist acts as a catalyst, guiding the family to recognize and change their unhelpful patterns. This focus on the therapist's active role distinguishes Haley's work and underlines the importance of targeted intervention in achieving systemic change. The other options, while relevant to varying degrees in therapeutic practice, do not capture the essence of Haley's theory as accurately. The family's commitment to therapy or external support may be beneficial, but they don't directly signify the intervention itself as the primary mechanism for enacting change. A complete overhaul of the family might seem drastic and is generally not considered necessary or practical within this theoretical framework.