Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

Which term BEST describes families with diffuse boundaries between the parental and child subsystems?

1. Disengaged

2. Healthy

3. Enmeshed

4. Authoritarian

The correct answer is: Enmeshed

The term that best describes families with diffuse boundaries between the parental and child subsystems is enmeshed. In enmeshed family systems, the boundaries between family members, particularly between parents and children, are overly permeable. This results in a lack of differentiation between the roles and identities of family members. The close emotional connections can lead to a situation where individual autonomy is compromised, as children may become overly dependent or feel an excessive amount of pressure to meet the emotional needs of their parents. In an enmeshed system, children may struggle to establish their own identities or seek independence due to the blurring of boundaries. This can lead to difficulties in their own relationships and social skills later in life. Understanding enmeshment is particularly important for social workers, as it can have significant implications for therapy and family dynamics. The other terms do not accurately describe diffuse boundaries. For instance, disengaged refers to families with rigid boundaries where members are emotionally disconnected. Healthy families typically maintain clear boundaries that promote individual identities while also fostering connection. Authoritarian describes a parenting style focused on high demands and low responsiveness, which does not directly pertain to boundary issues within family subsystems.