A systems approach to intervening with a troubled child would most likely involve which practice?

• A. Focusing exclusively on the child's behavior at school
• B. Involving family therapy as part of the intervention
• C. Ignoring the child's medical history
• D. Using only individual therapy

Answer: (B)

A systems approach recognizes that a troubled child’s behavior is shaped by interactions among family, school, and other key environments, so effective intervention engages those multiple systems. Involving family therapy fits this perspective because it brings parents or guardians into the process, helps uncover and modify harmful interaction patterns, improves communication, and creates consistent supports across home and school, promoting lasting change.

Focusing only on the child’s behavior at school misses the broader context that influences behavior. Ignoring the child’s medical history leaves out potential physical or health-related factors that can affect learning and behavior. Using only individual therapy fails to address the relational dynamics and environmental factors that sustain problems across settings.