What is a family?
It is important to understand what family means before diving deeper into family relationships. Although the word “family” might bring up thoughts of ‘traditional families’ (e.g., a mother, father, and children) for many, a family does not need to include these roles. Instead, a family can consist of anyone a person considers family. This can include people they are related to by blood or those they are not related to. Family members often share close bonds, common values, goals or responsibilities, and significantly impact each others’ wellbeing. Accordingly, the composition of a family can change over time, depending on those factors we may consider when defining who we see as family.
Importance of Family Relationships
Familial relationships are very important because they have a big impact on the wellbeing of family members. Research has shown that positive family environments are linked to better social and interpersonal functioning, as well as improved mental health.
Healthy vs Unhealthy Family Environment
A positive family environment is primarily achieved by ensuring all family members feel valued, and that each individual has a person they can confide in.
Strong familial relationships can enhance wellbeing by:
- Providing individuals with a sense of support
- Helping to manage stress
- Promoting a sense of safety
On the other hand, individuals who do not have access to or experience with healthy family relationships may experience:
- Strains in familial relationships, which can significantly impact mental and physical health.
- Strains in sibling relationships — often characterised by conflict and a lack of closeness — which are then linked to increased risk of depression, increased drug and alcohol abuse, and lower wellbeing.
Recognising Unhealthy Family Relationships
Some examples of unhealthy family dynamics include:
- Family member(s) using or threatening to use physical violence
- Parents being unable to provide, or threatening to withhold basic care to dependents (e.g. food, water, shelter)
- Family members being forced to take sides during conflict
- A family member’s feelings being ignored or criticised by another member or the entire family
- Parents who implement excessive structure surrounding a child's schedule, choice of friends, behaviours, etc. OR, conversely, parents who have a lack of involvement in these areas
- Parents being overly involved or protective of their children, OR inappropriately distanced from their children
- Family members encouraging alcohol and/or drug abuse
Family relationships have an ongoing impact on wellbeing throughout an individual’s life, and can contribute to their sense of purpose and self-worth. Unhealthy family dynamics pose a significant risk to the wellbeing of individuals within the family. Therefore, it is important to look out for unhealthy behaviours in your own family as well as in the families of those you care about. Unhealthy familial relationships can lead to trust issues, diminished self-worth, a lack of safety, and overall poor wellbeing. Recognizing and addressing these issues sooner rather than later can help foster healthier relationship dynamics, while also minimising long-term impact.
If you feel that there are unhealthy relationships in your own family or the family of someone you care about, read more here and reach out for help.
