McCubbin and Patterson (1985) identified three categories of resources. Which of the following is an example of a family resource?

• A. Equitable household division of labor
• B. Financial debt
• C. Neighborhood safety
• D. Social media access

Answer: (A)

This item tests your understanding of what counts as a family resource in McCubbin and Patterson’s framework. Resources help a family cope with stress and are grouped into personal resources (within individuals), family resources (within the family system), and environmental resources (from the surrounding community). An equitable division of labor within the household is a family resource because it originates inside the family and reflects how tasks and responsibilities are shared to support smooth functioning and reduce strain. The other options come from outside the family or represent stressors rather than resources: debt is a financial burden, neighborhood safety is an environmental resource from the community, and access to social media is an external means of connectivity rather than an internal family resource.