What characterizes an undifferentiated family ego mass?

An undifferentiated family ego mass is best characterized by a low tolerance for individuality among family members. This concept, originating from family systems theory, particularly the work of Murray Bowen, describes families where the boundaries between the members are poorly defined. In such families, individual identities are often submerged within the family unit, leading to enmeshment. Members may feel pressured to conform to family norms and values, and there is a significant lack of personal autonomy or the ability to express individual needs and desires.

This characteristic can manifest in families where emotional interdependence is exceptionally high, stifling personal growth and fostering anxiety if one member attempts to assert their individuality. In contrast, options that suggest a high degree of autonomy or strong emotional independence would not apply in this context, as those traits indicate a healthier family structure with clear boundaries and an acceptance of individual differences. The presence of a clearly defined structure would also suggest a certain level of differentiation, which is contradictory to the concept of an undifferentiated family ego mass.