Understanding Family Dysfunction – Week 1

Dysfunctional families are characterized by unhealthy dynamics and behaviors that hinder the emotional health of their family members. There are many common characteristics such as the following list; Poor communication skills, lack of emotional support, lack of boundaries, enmeshment, unresolved conflicts, addiction or substance abuse. Other devastating issues include sexual, physical, emotional, economic or even spiritual abuse. It goes without saying, when any of these characteristics are present, the family members suffer from emotional neglect (unmet needs). The impact of the neglect may bring those emotional scars from childhood into adulthood; thereby repeating unhealthy patterns into their own families, perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction that could last for years.