According to Salvador Minuchin, “every family has a common structure- a generic set of patterns that transcend over time and culture (Yarhouse & Sells, 2008, p. 124). The Structure of the family is often influenced by its shape, culture, life-span development, and level of stress (Miuchin & Fishman, 1981). The structural family therapist generally has an understanding of how families function, and potential developmental crisis that might lead to dysfunctional transactional patterns (Minuchin & Nichols, 1993). Therefore, the therapist starts forming potential relational hypotheses from the beginning, based on the referral information and initial observations of the family (Calapinto, 1991). As the therapist is joining with the family in the
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Rose does maintain some role on the hierarchy as well, although, she does not have as much space, and room of influence (Washington, Back, & Rudin, 2016). Another relational observation is that there appears to be a significant amount of enmeshment between Rose and Cory. Enmeshment is the relational dynamic that indicates emotional proximity with “diffuse boundary” (Reiter, 2016, p. 29). The enmeshment between the two of them is evident on a few occasions, such as when Cory is seen utilizing affection in order to avoid a chore (minute 33), and when Cory is observing his mother being upset, and is attempting to comfort her (most obvious example is at minute 1:36:02; however, he is also asked her “you alright?” at minute 32:45). On the other hand, the boundaries between relationship between father and son appear rigid. A rigid boundary occurs when there is little permeability (Reiter, 2016). This is seen around minute 39 when Troy is saying to Cory in regards to his choice to quit his job and play football: “I’m the boss, you understand? I’m the boss around
Rose does maintain some role on the hierarchy as well, although, she does not have as much space, and room of influence (Washington, Back, & Rudin, 2016). Another relational observation is that there appears to be a significant amount of enmeshment between Rose and Cory. Enmeshment is the relational dynamic that indicates emotional proximity with “diffuse boundary” (Reiter, 2016, p. 29). The enmeshment between the two of them is evident on a few occasions, such as when Cory is seen utilizing affection in order to avoid a chore (minute 33), and when Cory is observing his mother being upset, and is attempting to comfort her (most obvious example is at minute 1:36:02; however, he is also asked her “you alright?” at minute 32:45). On the other hand, the boundaries between relationship between father and son appear rigid. A rigid boundary occurs when there is little permeability (Reiter, 2016). This is seen around minute 39 when Troy is saying to Cory in regards to his choice to quit his job and play football: “I’m the boss, you understand? I’m the boss around