Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

What is a primary goal of interventions by a structural family therapist working with a triangulated family?

1. Establish more appropriate hierarchies and boundaries

2. Create stress to unbalance homeostasis

3. Dilute tension between family members

4. Increase differentiation in family rules

The correct answer is: Create stress to unbalance homeostasis

In the context of structural family therapy, one of the primary goals when addressing a triangulated family involves creating stress to unbalance homeostasis. Triangulation often occurs when a third party is drawn into a conflict between two family members, which can lead to a stable yet dysfunctional dynamic. By intentionally introducing stress or disruption into this system, the therapist aims to break the rigid patterns of interaction that maintain the triangulation. This action helps to encourage the family to re-evaluate their roles and relationships, ultimately allowing for healthier dynamics to emerge. This approach is significant because it aligns with the structural family therapy principle that effective change often requires temporarily unsettling the system to allow new patterns of interaction to take form. Establishing more appropriate hierarchies and boundaries, diluting tension between family members, and increasing differentiation in family rules are all important goals within the therapeutic process; however, they generally follow the initial work of destabilizing the existing patterns to create the opportunity for change.