Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What is a primary goal of Minuchin's structural family therapy?

1. Increase differentiation in family members

2. Replace rigid and diffuse boundaries

3. Balance separation and togetherness

4. Align boundaries with family systems

The correct answer is: Replace rigid and diffuse boundaries

Minuchin's structural family therapy focuses on the organization and structure of family systems, emphasizing how family members interact and relate to one another. A primary goal of this approach is to address and modify the boundaries within the family. Replacing rigid and diffuse boundaries is critical because such boundaries affect how family members interact, communicate, and establish relationships with one another. Rigid boundaries can lead to disengagement, where family members are emotionally distant or isolated, while diffuse boundaries can cause enmeshment, where individuals are overly involved in each other's lives, losing their autonomy. By working on these boundaries, the therapist aims to create a healthier family structure, allowing for more flexible interactions that promote both individuality and connection among family members. This goal of modifying boundaries aligns closely with Minuchin's understanding of family dynamics and the importance of healthy interpersonal functioning within a family unit. Through structural interventions, the therapist assists families in recognizing and changing their patterns of communication, ultimately fostering a more balanced and supportive family environment.