In Structural Family Therapy, what do boundaries determine?

In Structural Family Therapy, boundaries are crucial as they define the level of interaction and the degree of emotional and psychological contact that family members can have with each other. These boundaries can be understood as guidelines that influence how family members relate to one another, influencing the nature of their relationships.

For instance, clear and healthy boundaries facilitate appropriate levels of intimacy and support among family members while preventing enmeshment or emotional cutoff. When boundaries are well-defined, family members know how to navigate their relationships, which contributes to overall family functioning. Conversely, when boundaries are too rigid or too diffuse, it can lead to dysfunction and issues such as disengagement or codependency.

This understanding highlights why the correct answer is linked to the amount of contact allowed between family members, as it reflects how boundaries shape their interactions and relationships within the family unit.