Stage 3 of the family life cycle is defined as?

• A. Family of Origin Experiences
• B. Leave Home and Differentiate Self from Family of Origin
• C. Pre-marriage: Select Partners and Decide to Establish Home with Someone
• D. Grandparenting

Answer: (C)

The stage being tested is the pre-marriage phase, where individuals select a partner and decide to establish a home with someone. This stage centers on forming a committed couple unit and laying the groundwork for future family roles and responsibilities, before children are involved. It focuses on partner compatibility, shared goals, and how each person’s family of origin might influence the relationship.

The other options fit different points in the life cycle: experiences with one’s family of origin relate to early development and shaping of values; leaving home and differentiating from the family of origin occurs during late adolescence to young adulthood as independence is formed; grandparenting is a late-life stage after children have formed their own families.