Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) National Practice Exam

The term that best describes relationships characterized by a high frequency of opposite kinds of behavior is "complementary." In complementary relationships, one partner's behavior complements or contrasts with the other’s, leading to a dynamic where each person's actions fulfill different roles. This often creates a balanced interaction where, for instance, one partner may take on a more dominant role while the other assumes a more submissive one.

For example, in a therapeutic context, one partner may often take the lead in discussions, while the other may provide support or validation, reflecting complementary dynamics that can function effectively in certain types of relationships. Such dynamics are crucial for understanding relational patterns during therapy, especially when exploring how individuals interact and affect each other's behavior.

The other terms do not accurately capture this concept. Symmetrical relationships involve similar behaviors between partners, where both exhibit comparable levels of interaction. Cohesive refers more to the strength and unity within a relationship rather than behavior patterns. Reciprocal indicates a mutual exchange or response but does not necessarily imply opposite behavior; rather, it emphasizes that the actions of one individual provoke corresponding actions from another, which can be similar or complementary but is not strictly defined by opposite kinds.