In some families accomplishing basic instrumental tasks like the
provision of food and shelter may be difficult; other families may accomplish instrumental tasks but may have
problems with developmental tasks (for example, those surrounding the departure of the last child from home); other families may have coped resiliently with basic and developmental tasks, only to be knocked sideways by a hazardous event, such
as major parental illness or redundancy, or sudden care - giving responsibility for an extended family member.