Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In family system dynamics, which describes members tightly bound to each other emotionally?

1. Decentralized

2. Centrifugal

3. Centripetal

4. Fragmented

The correct answer is: Centripetal

In family system dynamics, the term that describes members who are tightly bound to each other emotionally is centripetal. This term signifies that the emotional connections among family members are strong and cohesive, leading to close-knit relationships. In a centripetal system, the individual identities may be less distinct because the focus is on the group as a whole. Centripetal dynamics can create a sense of belonging and support, but it can also lead to enmeshment, where boundaries between individuals may become too blurred, affecting personal autonomy and the ability to engage independently outside of the family unit. In contrast, the other concepts reflect different dynamics that do not emphasize this emotional closeness. For example, decentralized refers to a distribution of power or roles that may lead to detachment, while centrifugal dynamics suggest a dispersion or growth of distance among members. Fragmented indicates disconnection or lack of cohesion within the family system. Thus, centripetal is the term that best encapsulates the strong emotional ties among family members.