MMFT 502 Family Life Cycle Development

This course examines human development and relational transitions across the lifespan with a focus on family systems and intergenerational patterns. The course explores biopsychosocial and systemic factors that influence development, including relational resilience, attachment, and the impact of trauma on individuals and families. Special attention is given to cultural and faith-based perspectives, as well as evidence-based interventions that promote relational health and well-being across the family life cycle.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Understanding the family life cycle is essential for marriage and family therapists to assess and intervene in relational patterns across generations. This course integrates developmental theories with systemic concepts, enabling the student to analyze how families navigate major life transitions. The inclusion of cultural and faith-based perspectives aligns with the university’s mission of holistic education. By exploring evidence-based interventions, the student gains practical skills to support relational resilience and address trauma-related disruptions in family systems.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Video Discussions (3)

There will be three Video Discussions, the student will create and upload a 3–5-minute video in response to the prompt and a 2-3 minute reply video to a peer. Each video must demonstrate course related knowledge and assertions must be supported by at least one outside scholarly resource. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

Men and Women Paper Assignment

The student will complete a 3–5-page paper, (excluding title page, abstract, and reference page), focused on the differences in development between men and women. The paper is in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Relational Transitions Paper Assignment

The student will complete a 3–5-page paper, (excluding title page, abstract, and reference page), reviewing the challenges of transition phases from adult to couple or couple to family. The paper is in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application. (CLOs: a,b,c,d,e)

Family Restructuring Paper Assignment

The student will complete a 3–5-page paper, (excluding title page, abstract, and reference page), reviewing the challenges of divorce or death of a parent/spouse on families and different development ages within the family. The paper is in APA format, including a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The paper should be well thought out and demonstrate critical thinking, self-evaluation, and practical application. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Quizzes (5)

There are 5 quizzes that cover the reading and study material throughout the course. 4 quizzes consist of 30 multiple-choice questions, have a time limit of 1 hour and are worth 30 points each. The Quiz: Final consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, has a time limit of 2 hours and is worth 60 points. All quizzes are open book/open notes and 3 attempts will be provided for each quiz. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Quiz: Dispositions Reflection

The student will rate him/herself on the nine dispositions required for this program. The quiz will contain 9 multiple-choice questions and 1 essay question and is limited to 1 hour. The student is allowed 1 attempt to complete the quiz.