According to Duvall and Miller, which is a stage-sensitive developmental task for the newly married couple?

• A. Fitting into the kin network
• B. Starting a major career change
• C. Planning retirement
• D. Relocating to a new country

Answer: (A)

This item tests the stage-specific task for a newly formed family according to Duvall and Miller’s framework. In the early stage of the family life cycle, the couple is building a new unit and must fit into the kin network, meaning they establish their own household while integrating, negotiating, and realigning relationships with extended family such as parents and in-laws. This task involves redefining boundaries and creating a supportive system around the couple as they start their life together, which is characteristic of the newly married stage.

The other options aren’t tied to this early stage in the same way. A major career change can occur at various points in life and isn’t unique to the newly married phase. Planning retirement is a later life task associated with aging and end-of-work, not the initial family integration. Relocating to a new country can happen for many reasons and doesn’t specifically capture the stage-sensitive challenge of forming connections within the kin network for a new marriage.

So, fitting into the kin network best reflects the stage-specific developmental task for newly married couples.