Nokea
Jack and Ann have come to the clinic for family therapy. They have been married for 18 years. Jack had an affair with his secretary 5 years ago. He fired the secretary and assures Ann and the nurse that he has been faithful ever since. Jack tells the nurse, 'We have never been able to get along with each other. We can’t talk about anything . . . all we do is shout at each other. And every time she gets angry with me, she brings up my infidelity. I can’t even imagine how many times each of us has threatened divorce over the years. Our kids don’t have any idea what it is like to have parents who get along with each other. I’ve really had enough!' The nurse would most likely document which of the following in her assessment of this couple?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Marital schism. Marital schism refers to a state of constant conflict and disengagement in a marriage. In this scenario, Jack and Ann exhibit a significant disconnect in their relationship, as evidenced by their inability to communicate effectively, frequent shouting matches, and unresolved issues such as Jack's infidelity. The nurse would likely document a marital schism in her assessment due to the ongoing discord and lack of emotional connection between the couple.
Incorrect choices:
A: Marital skew typically refers to power imbalances in a relationship, which is not the primary issue in this case.
B: Pseudohostility involves false or exaggerated hostility, which is not the main concern in Jack and Ann's situation.
C: Double-bind communication involves contradictory messages leading to confusion, which is not the central issue in this scenario.