Glossary / Lexicon

Enmeshed is a reference to families in which members are overly concerned and overly involved in each other’s lives, where boundaries are highly permeable.

In the psychology context, "enmeshed" refers to a relationship dynamic in which the boundaries between individuals are blurred, and there is a lack of differentiation between one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and those of the other person. Enmeshed relationships can be characterized by a high degree of emotional intensity, a strong sense of loyalty or obligation, and difficulty in setting boundaries. Here are some examples of enmeshed relationships:

1. Parent-child relationships: An enmeshed parent-child relationship may involve a parent who is overly involved in their child's life and has difficulty allowing the child to develop their own sense of identity and autonomy. The child may feel obligated to meet the parent's needs and may struggle to set boundaries.

2. Romantic relationships: An enmeshed romantic relationship may involve a couple who is overly dependent on each other for emotional support and has difficulty functioning independently. There may be a lack of individual identity, and one partner may feel responsible for meeting the other's emotional needs.

3. Friendships: An enmeshed friendship may involve friends who are overly involved in each other's lives and have difficulty setting boundaries. They may have a strong sense of obligation to each other and may struggle to maintain their own individual interests and relationships outside of the friendship.

4. Sibling relationships: Enmeshed sibling relationships may involve siblings who are overly involved in each other's lives and have difficulty differentiating their own needs from those of their siblings. This can lead to sibling rivalry, resentment, and a lack of individual identity.

5. Work relationships: Enmeshed work relationships may involve co-workers who are overly involved in each other's work and personal lives and have difficulty setting boundaries. This can lead to a lack of professional boundaries and conflict in the workplace.

In all of these examples, enmeshed relationships can be detrimental to one's emotional well-being and can lead to feelings of suffocation, anxiety, and a lack of personal identity. It is important to recognize and address enmeshed relationships in order to promote healthy boundaries and individual autonomy.