Enmeshment

Enmeshment describes a relationship with unclear and permeable boundaries which is often categorized as a family dynamic disorder. This is generally characterized by emotional connections which blur individuality.

For instance, a mother treats her child as an adult and shares worries which she should not share. In turn, the child feels the mother’s anxiety and the mother also further feels her child’s apprehensions. This codependent relationship should be differentiated from having a close bond since an enmeshment relationship makes the individuals unable to healthily separate their feelings from each other.