A rigid boundary is exemplified by impermeable barriers between the subsystems. Family members will not or do not share and participate within the subsystems. This results in a disengaged family, where there is great interpersonal distance and little potential for connectedness. On the other hand, a diffuse boundary is easily permeable, blurred, and there is no clear distinction between subsystems. A diffuse boundary results in enmeshment,where there is little interpersonal distance between family members who
are over involved and over concerned. Lastly, clear boundaries are firm yet flexible in that there is an allowance of new information between subsystems and the structure does not falter due to stress or struggles (Becvar & Becvar,1995). Family members are able to grow, be nurtured, and be supported.