Which statement is NOT true of the stages in family development theory?

• A. They are periods of disorder.
• B. They are periods of growth.
• C. They are predictable.
• D. They are stable.

Answer: (A)

Family development stages describe an orderly, growth‑oriented progression through the family life cycle, with normative tasks and role shifts as families adapt to new circumstances. They are not periods of disorder; instead, they represent growth as families learn to manage changing roles, strengthen communication, and reorganize routines to meet new needs. The stages are considered predictable because the sequence of transitions tends to follow a regular pattern across many families, each stage bringing typical challenges and tasks. They’re also viewed as stable in that they provide a consistent framework for understanding how families evolve, even though individual experiences may vary in pace or intensity. So the statement that they are periods of disorder is not consistent with the concept.