Table of Contents

Preface UNIT I: GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE FAMILY 1 Exploring the Family Structure UNIT II: FAMILY CONCEPTS: A SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE 2 Individuation 3 Separation 4 Cutoffs 5 Triangles 6 Rituals 7 Secrets 8 Multigenerational Effects 9 Networks UNIT III: FAMILY CONCEPTS: A SIBLING PERSPECTIVE 10 Birth Order 11 Sibling Relationships Sibling Solidarity UNIT IV: FAMILY CONCEPTS: A SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE 12 Attribution 13 Equity Theory 14 Reactance UNIT V: FAMILY CONCEPTS: A COGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE 15 Communication Styles 16 Problem Solving 17 Family Productivity

About the Author

Linda Berg-Cross is Associate Professor, Psychology Department, I-Iow>ard University, Washington, DC. She received her BA in Psychology from State University of New York at Stony Brook and her MA and PhD degrees in Psychology from Columbia University. She has been con>nected with the Psychology Department at Howard University since 1984 and has published numerous articles. She is married and has two chil>dren.