Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

What happens in a family with diffuse boundaries?

1. Clear roles and responsibilities

2. Heightened emotional independence

3. Increased enmeshment among members

4. Improved communication strategies

The correct answer is: Increased enmeshment among members

In a family with diffuse boundaries, increased enmeshment among members typically occurs. Diffuse boundaries allow for very little distinction between individual family members, leading to a lack of personal autonomy and independence. This means that family members may become overly involved in each other’s lives, thoughts, and emotions, creating a situation where personal identities are blurred. In such an environment, family members often rely heavily on one another for emotional support, resulting in a heightened sense of connection that can lead to enmeshment. This relationship dynamic can prevent members from developing their individuality and can foster dependency, as individuals may struggle to separate their own feelings and needs from those of the family unit. The other options would not accurately describe the dynamics present in families with diffuse boundaries. Clear roles and responsibilities are typically found in families with more defined boundaries, and heightened emotional independence would be seen in families with healthier boundaries. Improved communication strategies may occur in healthy familial interactions, which also relies on well-defined boundaries for effective expression and understanding among members.