Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What does the concept of enmeshment refer to in a family context?

1. Physical distancing within the family

2. Loss of autonomy due to diffuse boundaries

3. An organized family system

4. An emotional bond between family members

The correct answer is: Loss of autonomy due to diffuse boundaries

Enmeshment in a family context refers to a situation where family members have unclear and overly permeable boundaries, which leads to a significant loss of autonomy for the individuals involved. When enmeshment occurs, family members may become overly involved in each other's lives, leading to a lack of differentiation between individuals’ needs, emotions, and identities. This can result in one or more family members feeling overwhelmed by the relationships, as their capacity to make independent decisions or establish personal boundaries is compromised. Healthy family systems typically have clear boundaries that allow for both connection and individuality, whereas enmeshment blurs these lines, creating an environment where individual needs may be neglected for the sake of familial cohesion.