Triangulation in family therapy occurs when two members have problems and involve a third to stabilize the relationship. This is best described as?

• A. A defensive pattern
• B. A coalition
• C. Triangulation
• D. Differentiation

Answer: (C)

Triangulation describes a three-person dynamic where two family members in conflict bring in a third to help stabilize things and diffuse anxiety between them. By involving the third, the original tension isn’t faced directly, which can calm the moment but often keeps the real issue unresolved and entangles the relationships in a triad. This pattern can sometimes lead to a coalition, where the third sides with one member, but the defining feature is the three-person setup that buffers the dyad rather than directly addressing the core conflict. Differentiation would involve each person developing autonomy and clearer boundaries, which triangulation tends to undermine by keeping the system connected through the triad.