According to family development theory, __________ regulate the timing and sequencing of expectations and behaviors.

• A. Process norms
• B. Role norms
• C. Cultural norms
• D. Economic norms

Answer: (A)

Process norms are about the expected order and timing of family events and activities as a family moves through different life stages. They regulate when transitions should occur and how family members should sequence their behaviors—for example, the typical timing of marriage, starting a family, or children reaching certain developmental benchmarks. This focus on the tempo and order of transitions is what ties them specifically to family development theory. Role norms describe expected behaviors tied to specific roles (like parent or spouse), cultural norms span broader societal expectations, and economic norms concern financial expectations. Thus, process norms best capture the regulation of timing and sequencing in families.