Why Communication Fails with Emotionally Immature People: Expert Insights

Communication breakdowns are a common source of conflict in relationships. A recent video featuring clinical psychologist Dr. Lindsay Gibson sheds light on this issue, focusing on interactions with emotionally immature parents. Dr. Gibson explains, "People who have emotionally immature parents have the experience of trying to communicate, and that emotionally immature parent is not interested in what they're saying." This lack of engagement leaves the other person feeling unheard and frustrated, often leading them to believe they are at fault. Mel Robbins, in the same video, underscores this point, stating that the problem lies not in how the person communicates, but in the recipient's inability or unwillingness to process the information emotionally. This highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in healthy communication. The video suggests that a lack of emotional resonance can create an unsafe and contradictory communication experience. The takeaway is that effective communication requires not only verbal clarity but also emotional understanding and receptivity from both parties.