Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

In the context of structural family therapy, what are emotional barriers between family members referred to as?

1. Family dynamics

2. Family rules

3. Boundaries

4. Subsystems

The correct answer is: Boundaries

In structural family therapy, emotional barriers between family members are referred to as boundaries. These boundaries define the emotional distance and interaction levels between individuals within the family system. They help to regulate the flow of communication, affect, and support among family members. Healthy boundaries are necessary for fostering autonomy while still allowing for connection and relational support. When boundaries are too rigid, emotional distance can increase, contributing to feelings of isolation among family members. Conversely, when boundaries are too diffuse, it may lead to enmeshment, where individuals may lose their sense of self within the family system. Understanding and addressing these boundaries is crucial in structural family therapy for improving family dynamics and promoting healthier relationships. The other options provide important aspects of family structure but do not specifically address the concept of emotional barriers. Family dynamics refers to the patterns of interactions between family members. Family rules are the implicit or explicit guidelines that govern behavior within the family. Subsystems denote smaller groups within the family structure that interact more closely, but they don't specifically encapsulate the emotional barriers between all family members.