Understanding Family Enmeshment

Family enmeshment refers to a family dynamic characterized by a lack of appropriate boundaries, where family members are overly reliant on one another for emotional support. This often results in children feeling pressured to maintain dependence on their parents, sometimes extending into adulthood. Such systems can inhibit personal growth, preventing individuals from establishing their own identities and pursuing independent lives. Individuals in enmeshed families often struggle with feelings of guilt when seeking autonomy or making decisions that prioritize their own well-being over family obligations.