NSG 526 Exam 1 Family Nursing Questions and
Answers| Updated| Pass Guaranteed| Herzing
University
Q1. According to Bowen's Family Systems Theory, what does
'differentiation of self' describe?
A. Physical separation from the family of origin
B. The ability to avoid all conflict in relationships
C. The degree to which family members share the same beliefs
D. The ability to separate one's intellect from emotions and maintain
one's identity while staying connected to the family
Answer: D. The ability to separate one's intellect from emotions and
maintain one's identity while staying connected to the family
Rationale: A well-differentiated person can think clearly under emotional
pressure and be autonomous without cutting off. Low differentiation leads
to emotional reactivity and fusion.
Q2. A mother who is angry with her husband spends most of her time
confiding in her teenage daughter, and the daughter now avoids her
father. This pattern best illustrates:
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Homeostasis
C. Triangulation
D. Morphogenesis
Answer: C. Triangulation
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 1
,Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is drawn into a two-
person conflict to reduce anxiety. The daughter has become the third point
of a triangle.
Q3. In Bowen's theory, what is the purpose of a triangle in a family?
A. To resolve conflict permanently
B. To stabilize a two-person relationship by diverting anxiety to a third
person
C. To increase differentiation
D. To clarify roles and boundaries
Answer: B. To stabilize a two-person relationship by diverting anxiety to a
third person
Rationale: Triangles lower tension temporarily but keep the underlying
issue unresolved.
Q4. A man has not spoken to his parents in 15 years and avoids all
family gatherings, yet he expects his new family to be perfect. Which
Bowen concept is evident?
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Family projection process
C. Sibling position
D. Societal emotional process
Answer: A. Emotional cutoff
Rationale: Emotional cutoff is reducing unresolved tension by physically or
emotionally distancing from family; it usually leaves the anxiety unresolved
and often leads to intense new relationships.
Q5. Which Bowen concept describes the way parents transmit their
emotional problems to a child who becomes the focus of anxiety?
A. Multigenerational transmission process
B. Nuclear family emotional system
C. Triangulation only
D. Family projection process
Answer: D. Family projection process
Rationale: Parents' anxiety is projected onto a vulnerable child, who then
has lower differentiation.
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 2
, Q6. According to Minuchin's structural family theory, which type of
boundary is typical in an enmeshed family?
A. Rigid boundaries
B. Clear boundaries
C. Diffuse boundaries
D. Closed boundaries
Answer: C. Diffuse boundaries
Rationale: Diffuse boundaries blur the lines between individuals and
subsystems, leading to excessive closeness and lack of autonomy.
Q7. Which family pattern is characterized by rigid boundaries,
isolation and lack of support among members?
A. Enmeshment
B. Disengagement
C. Triangulation
D. Homeostasis
Answer: B. Disengagement
Rationale: Disengaged families have rigid boundaries, little communication
and little emotional support.
Q8. A 16-year-old is not allowed to make any decisions, and her
parents answer all questions directed to her. Which Minuchin concept
does this illustrate?
A. Enmeshment
B. Disengagement
C. Emotional cutoff
D. Differentiation
Answer: A. Enmeshment
Rationale: Enmeshment involves over-involvement, with little room for
individuality and autonomy.
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 3
Answers| Updated| Pass Guaranteed| Herzing
University
Q1. According to Bowen's Family Systems Theory, what does
'differentiation of self' describe?
A. Physical separation from the family of origin
B. The ability to avoid all conflict in relationships
C. The degree to which family members share the same beliefs
D. The ability to separate one's intellect from emotions and maintain
one's identity while staying connected to the family
Answer: D. The ability to separate one's intellect from emotions and
maintain one's identity while staying connected to the family
Rationale: A well-differentiated person can think clearly under emotional
pressure and be autonomous without cutting off. Low differentiation leads
to emotional reactivity and fusion.
Q2. A mother who is angry with her husband spends most of her time
confiding in her teenage daughter, and the daughter now avoids her
father. This pattern best illustrates:
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Homeostasis
C. Triangulation
D. Morphogenesis
Answer: C. Triangulation
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 1
,Rationale: Triangulation occurs when a third person is drawn into a two-
person conflict to reduce anxiety. The daughter has become the third point
of a triangle.
Q3. In Bowen's theory, what is the purpose of a triangle in a family?
A. To resolve conflict permanently
B. To stabilize a two-person relationship by diverting anxiety to a third
person
C. To increase differentiation
D. To clarify roles and boundaries
Answer: B. To stabilize a two-person relationship by diverting anxiety to a
third person
Rationale: Triangles lower tension temporarily but keep the underlying
issue unresolved.
Q4. A man has not spoken to his parents in 15 years and avoids all
family gatherings, yet he expects his new family to be perfect. Which
Bowen concept is evident?
A. Emotional cutoff
B. Family projection process
C. Sibling position
D. Societal emotional process
Answer: A. Emotional cutoff
Rationale: Emotional cutoff is reducing unresolved tension by physically or
emotionally distancing from family; it usually leaves the anxiety unresolved
and often leads to intense new relationships.
Q5. Which Bowen concept describes the way parents transmit their
emotional problems to a child who becomes the focus of anxiety?
A. Multigenerational transmission process
B. Nuclear family emotional system
C. Triangulation only
D. Family projection process
Answer: D. Family projection process
Rationale: Parents' anxiety is projected onto a vulnerable child, who then
has lower differentiation.
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 2
, Q6. According to Minuchin's structural family theory, which type of
boundary is typical in an enmeshed family?
A. Rigid boundaries
B. Clear boundaries
C. Diffuse boundaries
D. Closed boundaries
Answer: C. Diffuse boundaries
Rationale: Diffuse boundaries blur the lines between individuals and
subsystems, leading to excessive closeness and lack of autonomy.
Q7. Which family pattern is characterized by rigid boundaries,
isolation and lack of support among members?
A. Enmeshment
B. Disengagement
C. Triangulation
D. Homeostasis
Answer: B. Disengagement
Rationale: Disengaged families have rigid boundaries, little communication
and little emotional support.
Q8. A 16-year-old is not allowed to make any decisions, and her
parents answer all questions directed to her. Which Minuchin concept
does this illustrate?
A. Enmeshment
B. Disengagement
C. Emotional cutoff
D. Differentiation
Answer: A. Enmeshment
Rationale: Enmeshment involves over-involvement, with little room for
individuality and autonomy.
NSG 526 Exam 1 | Page 3
