According to Smith and Hamon, which statement about family development theory is TRUE?

• A. Tasks focus on what the family, as a unit, must accomplish while considering the individual needs of the parents and children.
• B. Change in family relationships is precipitated only by internal factors.
• C. Stages are determined solely by the breadwinner's work status.
• D. The oldest child drives each stage.

Answer: (A)

Family development theory looks at how families move through stages by coordinating tasks the family as a whole must accomplish while attending to the changing needs of each member. Smith and Hamon emphasize that development is about the family unit adapting to transitions—such as childrearing, launching children, and adjusting to new roles—while keeping in mind the individual needs of both parents and children. This makes the statement about tasks the family must accomplish as a unit, balancing those tasks with individual needs, the best fit.

Changes in family relationships aren’t driven only by internal factors; they’re shaped by a mix of internal dynamics and external circumstances. Likewise, stages aren’t determined solely by the breadwinner’s work status, and the oldest child doesn’t drive every stage.