According to Olson's Circumplex Model, what are the two dimensions of family functioning?

The correct answer is based on Olson's Circumplex Model, which highlights two primary dimensions essential for understanding family functioning: cohesion and adaptability.

Cohesion refers to the emotional bonding and togetherness among family members, reflecting how connected or separated they feel within the family unit. This dimension ranges from disengaged families, who experience a lack of connection, to enmeshed families, where the boundaries are overly permeable, leading to a lack of individuality among members.

Adaptability refers to the family's ability to change its power structure, roles, and rules in response to situational demands and stresses. This dimension spans from rigid families, which have inflexible structures and a resistance to change, to chaotic families, where there may be too much change and instability leading to confusion and lack of direction.

Understanding these two dimensions helps therapists assess family dynamics and interventions, as balanced levels of cohesion and adaptability contribute to healthier family interactions and overall functioning. In the context of the other options provided, while communication and trust are important aspects of family relationships, they do not encompass the foundational dimensions outlined by Olson’s model. Thus, cohesion and adaptability remain central to the Circumplex Model.