A mother calls her 20-year-old daughter's university professor to insist he change her grade. A structural family therapist would assume what?

Choice A reason: Clear boundaries in a family system allow for healthy autonomy and appropriate involvement between members. A mother intervening in her adult daughter’s academic affairs suggests a lack of autonomy, which contradicts the concept of clear boundaries. Choice B reason: Rigid boundaries are characterized by emotional distance and disengagement between family members. The mother’s overinvolvement in her daughter’s academic life does not reflect rigidity but rather excessive enmeshment. Choice C reason: Diffuse boundaries are marked by overinvolvement, lack of autonomy, and blurred roles between family members. The mother’s action—intervening in her adult daughter’s academic affairs—demonstrates a lack of differentiation and autonomy, which is a hallmark of diffuse boundaries in structural family therapy. Choice D reason: Individuation refers to the process of developing autonomy and a distinct identity. The mother’s behavior undermines individuation by not allowing her daughter to manage her own academic responsibilities.