Final answer:
A family where members operate independently and children are discouraged from seeking support is characterized by disengagement according to family systems theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
About family systems theory, a family where members operate independently, and children are discouraged from seeking support, is characterized by disengagement. This type of family structure is one where emotional bonds are weak, and family members maintain a high level of autonomy and independence from each other. This contrasts significantly with enmeshment, where family members are overly involved in each other's lives, and boundaries, which refer to the healthy demarcation between different family members or subgroups within the family. Family systems theory also discusses cohesion, which is a measure of the emotional bonding and togetherness among family members, but excessive autonomy would indicate a lack of cohesion, aligning more with disengagement.