Arizona State University (ASU) PSY366 Abnormal Psychology Exam 1 Practice

The family characteristic that describes members paying no attention to each other is the disengaged family structure. In a disengaged family, individuals operate independently and often lack emotional connections or communication with one another. This can manifest as a lack of interest in each other’s lives, feelings, or experiences, leading to a sense of isolation among family members.

Disengaged families may prioritize personal space and boundaries to an extreme, which can inhibit bonding and create environments where emotional support is minimal. This characteristic contrasts with other family dynamics, such as enmeshed families, where members are overly involved in each other's lives, leading to a different set of relational issues. Therefore, the correct understanding of disengagement highlights the emotional distance and lack of interaction that defines this family characteristic.