Enmeshment: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
enmeshment
[ ษnหmษสmษnt ]
psychological term
Enmeshment is a psychological term that refers to a boundary issue in relationships where personal boundaries are diffused or blurred. It often occurs in family dynamics, where parents may overly involve themselves in their children's lives, leading to a lack of autonomy and individuality for the child. This can create unhealthy interdependence and issues in personal development.
Synonyms
entanglement, interdependence, intrusiveness
Examples of usage
- Enmeshment can hinder a child's ability to establish healthy relationships.
- Therapists often address enmeshment patterns in family therapy.
- Recognizing enmeshment is the first step toward repairing familial relationships.
Translations
Translations of the word "enmeshment" in other languages:
๐ต๐น enredamento
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคกเคผเคพเคต
๐ฉ๐ช Verstrickung
๐ฎ๐ฉ perangkap
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะฟะปะตัะตะฝัััั
๐ต๐ฑ uwikลanie
๐ฏ๐ต ็ตกใพใใใจ
๐ซ๐ท enchevรชtrement
๐ช๐ธ enredo
๐น๐ท dolaลma
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํด
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุดุงุจู
๐จ๐ฟ zapletenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ zaplรฉtanie
๐จ๐ณ ็บ ็ผ
๐ธ๐ฎ zapletenost
๐ฎ๐ธ vafning
๐ฐ๐ฟ าาฑัะฐััััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฎแแแ แฃแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dolaลma
๐ฒ๐ฝ enredo
Etymology
The term 'enmeshment' is derived from the word 'mesh', which means to interlace or entangle. The prefix 'en-' suggests the process of becoming involved or entrapped. The concept emerged in the fields of psychology and family therapy, particularly in the late 20th century, as practitioners began to explore the dynamics of family relationships. Mental health professionals identified enmeshment as a common issue that can arise in dysfunctional families, particularly those with high levels of emotional interdependence. Over time, the term has been widely adopted to describe patterns of behavior that inhibit personal development and emotional health, especially among children raised in over-involved families.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #38,627, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
- ...
- 38624 fornicator
- 38625 garbling
- 38626 pailful
- 38627 enmeshment
- 38628 roomier
- 38629 springiness
- 38630 clammed
- ...