enmeshment Definition
- 1a condition in which a person's identity becomes intertwined with that of another person or group, often resulting in a loss of autonomy or individuality
- 2an unhealthy emotional reliance on others, often leading to a lack of personal boundaries and difficulty making independent decisions
- 3a state of being caught up in a complex or difficult situation from which it is hard to escape
Using enmeshment: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "enmeshment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Growing up, she experienced enmeshment with her mother, who controlled every aspect of her life.
Example
The therapist helped the couple recognize their enmeshment and work towards establishing healthy boundaries.
Example
The company's financial enmeshment with its suppliers made it difficult to make independent decisions.
enmeshment Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for enmeshment
Antonyms for enmeshment
Phrases with enmeshment
a type of enmeshment that occurs within families, where members become overly involved in each other's lives and have difficulty separating their own identities from those of the family unit
Example
Family enmeshment can lead to a lack of personal boundaries and difficulty making independent decisions.
a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals establish healthy boundaries and separate their identities from those of others
Example
Enmeshment therapy can be helpful for individuals who struggle with codependency and unhealthy emotional reliance on others.
a type of psychological trauma that can occur as a result of enmeshment, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and a lack of personal identity
Example
Individuals who experience enmeshment trauma may benefit from therapy to help them establish a sense of self and healthy boundaries.
Summary: enmeshment in Brief
Enmeshment [en-mesh-muhnt] is a condition in which a person's identity becomes intertwined with that of another person or group, often leading to a lack of autonomy or individuality. It can also refer to a state of being caught up in a complex or difficult situation. Examples include experiencing enmeshment with a controlling parent or struggling with emotional reliance on others. Enmeshment can be addressed through therapy, such as enmeshment therapy, which helps individuals establish healthy boundaries and separate their identities from those of others.
