What is the main characteristic of enmeshment as described by Minuchin?

The main characteristic of enmeshment, as described by Salvador Minuchin, involves the over-involvement of all family members in the affairs of any one member. In enmeshed families, boundaries between individuals are often blurred, leading to a lack of autonomy and independence for family members. This dynamic can create a situation where emotional ties are excessively intertwined, making it difficult for individuals to express their identities or pursue personal goals without interference from others in the family system.

Minuchin emphasized that this kind of relationship often hinders healthy communication and can lead to dysfunction within the family unit, as members may become overly dependent on one another. Enmeshment can prevent necessary separations and distinctions between individual needs and family responsibilities, resulting in difficulties in achieving healthy development and personal growth.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the concept of enmeshment. The physical distance between family members does not capture the relational dynamics of enmeshment; establishing individual goals in therapy is more aligned with promoting individuation rather than the entangled interactions in enmeshment; and clear delineation of family roles would suggest a healthier family structure that contrasts with the chaotic and intertwined nature of enmeshed relationships.