University of Central Florida (UCF) EEC4402 Cultural and Family Systems Practice Exam

In the context of family-centered care, the principle that can increase family stress is the emphasis on parent-professional collaboration and joint decision-making. While collaboration and engagement in decision-making are generally seen as beneficial, they can also place additional demands on families, especially in situations where they may feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped to participate fully.

When families are expected to be actively involved in decisions regarding their care or the care of their children, it can lead to increased anxiety and stress. This is particularly true if family members feel uncertain about their abilities to contribute effectively, or if they are balancing competing demands from their personal lives alongside the complexities of navigating care systems.

The expectation for collaborative decision-making may place families in positions where they must advocate for their needs or negotiate with professionals, which can be daunting, especially when dealing with high-stress situations such as illness or disability. Therefore, while collaboration has many advantages, it can also inadvertently heighten stress levels for families who might already be in a challenging emotional state.