Concepts

Question 1

What are key concepts of structural family therapy?

Answer 1

Boundaries

Subsystems

Triangulation

Question 2

Boundaries

Answer 2

Invisible lines separating and connecting groups within the family

Define closeness, distance, hierarchy, family roles

Question 3

3 types of boundaries

Answer 3

Diffuse, flexible, rigid

Question 4

Lack of clear distinction between members

Strong connection at the expense of individual autonomy

Leads to enmeshment

Answer 4

Diffuse boundaries

Question 5

Autonomy and independence emphasized at the expense of connection

Leads to isolation and disengagement

Answer 5

Rigid boundaries

Question 6

Allows close emotional contact AND allows each member to maintain sense of identity

Answer 6

Flexible boundaries

Question 7

Freedom of members to do as they please

Answer 7

Rigid boundaries

Question 8

Parallel interactions (different activities in the same room)

Answer 8

Ridgid boundaries

Question 9

Interrupting one another or speaking over one another

Answer 9

Diffuse boundaries

Question 10

Insisting on high levels of protectiveness

Answer 10

Diffuse boundaries

Question 11

Demanding loyalty at the expense of individual needs

Answer 11

Diffuse boundaries

Question 12

You’re doing great

Question 13

Smaller groups within the family that perform specific functuons

Answer 13

Subsystems

Question 14

Emotional closeness or distance between family members

Answer 14

Boundaries

Question 15

When two family members pull in another member or activity into their relationship or conflict to reduce tension

Answer 15

Triangulation

Question 16

Goals of SFT

Answer 16

To restructure the family to create more optimal functioning.

Effective parental hierarchy and severing cross-generational coalitions.

Clear distinction between martial and parental subsystem.