Which type of family has overly permeable boundaries and is overly dependent on one another?

Enmeshed families are characterized by overly permeable boundaries where family members have difficulty distinguishing their own identities from one another. In such families, there is a strong emotional dependence among members, often resulting in a lack of personal autonomy. This closeness can create an environment where individuals may feel smothered or restricted in their personal growth, as they often prioritize the family's needs or emotions over their own. The relational dynamics in enmeshed families involve significant overlap in roles and responsibilities, leading to a blurring of individual boundaries.

This dependency can manifest in constant communication and interaction, making it challenging for members to engage independently with the outside world. Consequently, the family system can become overly reactive to tensions, conflicts, or changes, as individual emotions are often intertwined. Enmeshment can hinder healthy family functioning and personal development, as members may struggle to establish their own identities while remaining deeply intertwined with one another.