Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Families of individuals with anorexia often display which characteristic?

1. Detachment

2. Enmeshment

3. Authoritarianism

4. Permissiveness

The correct answer is: Enmeshment

The characteristic that families of individuals with anorexia often display is enmeshment. Enmeshment in a family system refers to a lack of clear boundaries between family members, leading to an excessive emotional involvement and a high degree of interconnectedness. In enmeshed families, the emotions, needs, and lives of family members become intertwined, making it difficult for individuals to differentiate their own identities and feelings from those of the family. This dynamic can create pressure on individuals with anorexia to conform to family expectations or roles, which may contribute to the development or maintenance of the eating disorder. In the context of anorexia, the enmeshment may manifest as a heightened anxiety about food, body image, or personal relationships, where individuals feel a strong obligation to meet the emotional needs of other family members, often at the expense of their own well-being. This familial interaction pattern can be significant in understanding the psychological and social dimensions of anorexia and guiding treatment strategies. While other characteristics like detachment, authoritarianism, and permissiveness may occur in families dealing with various issues, they do not typically characterize the family dynamics most commonly associated with individuals struggling with anorexia. Understanding enmeshment as a characteristic can aid in addressing the broader familial influences on the individual’s