Final answer:
Lack of differentiation in a family often results in enmeshment and overdependence, influencing individual identity and causing difficulties in new relationships. As family structures change, roles shift, and challenges arise, individuals face complex dynamics within the family unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lack of differentiation in a family produces enmeshment, which may be manifest as overdependence from the parents, which in turn leads to difficulties in new relationships. The time devoted to work can make it challenging to fulfill requirements of the family, and the strain from participation in work can further complicate family dynamics. Specific behaviors required by work can also clash with family needs.
As individuals start developing a sense of identity, they may exhibit increased feelings of independence and individuality, thereby impacting the family unit. This evolution in personal identity is often seen in teenagers and young adults as they seek to establish their own place in the world, sometimes leading to tension within the family.
The contemporary family structure has evolved, encompassing a wide variety of forms, each presenting its own set of challenges. Events such as divorce and remarriage introduce new complexities to family relationships, while issues such as abuse continue to threaten familial stability. Siblings can occasionally take on parental roles during familial crises, leading to potential long-term effects on their ability to form healthy relationships and take care of themselves.