Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What does a Dysfunctional Hierarchy indicate in a family?

1. Clear decision-making processes exist

2. Parents have abdicated their executive function

3. Children prioritize their needs over parents

4. Family goals are achieved collaboratively

The correct answer is: Parents have abdicated their executive function

A dysfunctional hierarchy in a family typically suggests that there is a lack of clear leadership or decision-making authority among family members. In the context of the correct choice, the statement that "parents have abdicated their executive function" effectively describes a situation where parents are no longer taking initiative or responsibility in guiding the family's dynamics. This can lead to confusion and instability within the family structure, as their roles become unclear. When parents do not fulfill their roles as decision-makers and leaders, children may step into these roles, resulting in reversed dynamics where the traditional parent-child hierarchy is disrupted. Understanding this concept is crucial in therapy, as it highlights the importance of clear leadership and decision-making within a family system. The presence of a dysfunctional hierarchy can contribute to various relational problems and hinder effective communication, which therapists aim to address in family therapy sessions. In contrast, clear decision-making processes, children prioritizing their needs over those of parents, and achieving family goals collaboratively are indicative of healthier family dynamics. These scenarios reflect stability and functioning, which is contrasted sharply by the issues stemming from a dysfunctional hierarchy.