Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In Olson's Circumplex Model, what does cohesion measure?

1. The diversity of family roles

2. The strength of emotional bonds

3. The level of family adaptability

4. The communication style of family members

The correct answer is: The strength of emotional bonds

In Olson's Circumplex Model, cohesion specifically measures the strength of emotional bonds among family members. This concept refers to how connected and united family members feel towards one another, encompassing aspects such as togetherness, support, and intimacy in relationships. A family with high cohesion demonstrates strong emotional attachments, demonstrating mutual respect and understanding. Cohesion is distinct from other constructs in the model, such as adaptability, which refers to a family's ability to adjust to changes, and diversity of family roles, which examines how roles within the family are structured. Additionally, while communication styles may influence cohesion, they are not the same construct; communication pertains to how family members interact, while cohesion focuses on the emotional connection between them. Understanding these distinctions helps to appreciate the nuances of family dynamics as outlined in Olson’s framework.