Reasons and Effects of a Dysfunctional Family

Dysfunctional family is what can not function normally and harmoniously, as most families do. 

To illustrate dysfunctional families further, consider the example of certain spider species. In these cases, the female spider, larger and pregnant, mates with the male, only to turn and consume him for nourishment. Once the babies are born, the mother devours her mate and tries to build the next relationship. 

1. Substance Abuse:

One of the major reasons for a dysfunctional family is substance abuse within a family, which can lead to dysfunction, affecting communication, trust, and overall family dynamics. Members involved in drug and alcohol addiction. Alcoholism, a leading cause of domestic violence, creates a toxic environment. 

A family where parents regularly abuse drugs or alcohol, creating an unstable environment for children.

According to psychiatrists substance abuse can contribute to mental health issues in teenagers, such as anxiety and depression. Treatment may involve addressing both the substance abuse and the associated mental health challenges.

Psychologists theory portrays the impact on the family’s emotional well-being and the individual psychological development of teenagers may require therapy to address trauma, coping mechanisms, and communication skills.

Where as; criminologist explains substance abuse can be linked to increased risk of delinquency and criminal behavior among teenagers, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation.

2. High Conflict:

Secondly if there is a reason constant conflicts going on over minor issues create a hostile environment. These kinds of behaviors lead to emotional distress and strained relationships.

In a  conflict-driven family there is a  high level of stress and emotional turmoil. This breeds severe mental illnesses in children, resulting in difficulties forming and maintaining relationships, holding jobs, and coping with anxiety disorders.

Psychiatrists’ speculation on high conflict can contribute to stress-related mental health disorders in teenagers, such as mood disorders and increased susceptibility to anxiety.

Where as; psychologists suggest that therapy may focus on conflict resolution, communication skills, and emotional regulation to promote healthier family interactions and teenage development.

Prolonged exposure to high conflict can be a contributing factor to juvenile delinquency, highlighting the need for family-based interventions.

3.Violence:

The  Physical or emotional violent family is characterized by constant aggression, with broken items, holes in walls, and physical bruises as common occurrences. Children in such families often run away, seeking identity elsewhere and harboring self-hatred. These families also lead to fear, trauma, and a breakdown in trust and security, whereas in teenagers this can be a precursor to aggressive behavior in teenagers. Teenagers can seek rehabilitation programs.

As per psychiatrist, the exposure to violence may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues in teenagers, requiring therapeutic interventions.

Psychologists recommend treatment that involve trauma-focused therapy, aiming to address the impact of violence on the mental well-being of teenagers and promoting healing.

4. Authoritarian Parenting:

Authoritarian families, characterized by strict rules and lack of communication, empathy, or laughter, hinder healthy emotional development and autonomy in teenagers.

Authoritarian parenting may contribute to anxiety and low self-esteem in teenagers, necessitating therapeutic interventions to build resilience and self-confidence.

Therapy may focus on improving parent-child communication and furthering  a supportive environment that encourages the autonomy and emotional well-being of teenagers.

Authoritarian parenting can contribute to rebellious behavior in teenagers, according to criminologists. They are highlighting the importance of finding a balance between discipline and open communication to prevent delinquency.

5. Emotional Detachment:

Lastly the lack of emotional connection within a family can lead to feelings of neglect and hinder the development of healthy relationships. Teenagers may develop borderline personality disorder, because they only feel calm in being alone. but that too works in developing more negative elements in their personalities. Because according to psychiatrists emotional detachment may contribute to depression and feelings of isolation in teenagers.

These families have limited communication beyond rules and superficial matters.

Two common scenarios emerge: 

An excessive focus on academic achievement, leading to constant studying, or entertainment neglect, where family members are engrossed in devices, disregarding each other.

Emotional detachment can be associated with risk-taking behavior in teenagers. Regular therapy and medication may be the only requirement in building  emotional bonds within the family.

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