Key Takeaways
- Family dynamics are the patterns of communication, relationships, and interactions between family members.
- Unhealthy family dynamics can lead to trauma and stress, which may increase a person’s risk for developing a variety of mental and physical health issues later in life.
- If your family is struggling with unhealthy dynamics, family therapy can help. A family therapist can support your family in addressing conflict, improving communication, and developing greater empathy and understanding for each other.
Through unspoken rules, varying communication styles, cultural differences, and more, family dynamics can influence the way we view ourselves and the world around us. Whether it’s our family of choice or those who share our genes, our family systems leave lasting impressions that shape how we relate to other people.
Sometimes our family dynamics foster a sense of connection, warmth, and security. But every family has its challenges and most people must navigate unhealthy family dynamics from time to time. Fortunately, with the right support, you and your loved ones can learn to navigate challenges and communicate with empathy and respect. It starts with peeling back the layers to better understand the factors influencing your family dynamics and learning to resolve conflict or differences in ways that honor the love you have for one another.
Understanding family dynamics
The term “family dynamics” is used to describe the pattern of communication, relationships, and roles that govern the ways family members interact with one another. But families don’t operate in isolation and their dynamics are influenced by a wide variety of factors. A recent study found that some of the strongest factors influencing healthy family dynamics include:
- Individuation: When family members, especially children and teens, feel like they can safely emotionally separate from their parents and form their own identities
- Mutuality: When a family has a shared sense of belonging, warmth, and connection
- Flexibility: When family members can change and adapt their thinking and behavior based on the needs of others
- Stability: When family members exist in a consistent, low-conflict environment and have most of their basic needs met
- Clear communication: When family members are able to speak openly and honestly with one another without worrying about the consequences of speaking up
That same study identified some of the factors that are most likely to result in unhealthy family dynamics, and they include:
- Enmeshment: When family members have unhealthily close relationships and poor boundaries
- Isolation: When family members are unable to have supportive relationships with others outside of their family unit
- Rigidity: When families have inflexible, strict rules about conduct and behavior
- Disorganization: When there are fractures in the family’s relationships due to events like separation or divorce
- Unclear communication: When family members are unable to speak openly and honestly with one another or they fear the consequences of speaking up
- Role conflict: When a family member’s roles and responsibilities are developmentally inappropriate or exceed their bandwidth. For example, being the primary caretaker while also working full time or having a young child be responsible for major household duties.
Why do family dynamics matter?
Family dynamics matter because of their long-term impact on mental health and well-being. Unhealthy family dynamics can cause trauma and stress that may lead to something called “adverse childhood experiences” or ACEs. ACEs are known to increase a child’s risk for developing a variety of mental and physical health issues later in life including:
- Heart disease and other cardiovascular problems
- Lung disease
- Liver disease
- Sleep disturbance
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hypertension
Common challenges in family dynamics
Every family has a unique set of dynamics. The unspoken roles, norms, and responsibilities vary from one family to the next. But some common challenges in family dynamics include:
- Communication problems
- Mental health challenges
- Substance misuse
- Marital or partner conflict
- Problems with emotional expression
- Generational differences
- Sibling rivalry
- Parenting discord
- Economic strain
- Cultural differences
- Unhealthy boundaries
- Role confusion
- Role reversal between parent and child (called “parentification”)
- Grief and loss
The care you need, when you need it
Learn how Rula can support your mental health journey
Four Strategies for improving family dynamics
No family is perfect. No matter how much family members love one another, there will always be moments of conflict and frustration. So if you find yourself in the midst of any of the challenges listed above, know that you’re not alone and that there are things your family can do to heal your family unit. While it can be hard to break out of old, well-established patterns of relating and communicating, some strategies for improving your family dynamics include:
1. Communication and active listening
Make time for some distraction-free conversations. Focus on using “I” statements and practice listening with intention and checking to ensure you understand what your family members are saying.
2. Conflict resolution techniques
When conflicts arise, try to think of your family members as parts of the same team with shared goals. Don’t be afraid to pause if tempers flare and circle back to the conversation when you’re feeling more calm. Practice taking responsibility for your actions and accepting genuine apologies.
3. Building trust and empathy within the family
Make time for quality time together so that you can have shared experiences as a family. Practice validating each other’s emotions and experiences even when you disagree. In times of transition, model transparency and involve other members in decisions in a developmentally appropriate way.
4. Working with a mental health professional
Sometimes, it can be helpful to work with a neutral third party who specializes in helping families nurture healthy dynamics. This can be at an individual, couples, or family therapy level. You don’t have to be in crisis for your family to benefit from therapy. Some families use therapy as a preventative support to help them develop the skills they will need to navigate future challenges and strengthen their connections.
How therapy can help improve family dynamics
Family therapy is a specific form of mental health support designed to help families of all kinds improve their dynamics and develop healthier, more loving relationships. In working with a family therapist, families can address conflict in a safe space, improve communication, and develop greater empathy and understanding for each other.
There are several different types of therapy approaches for family dynamics but some of the most widely used include internal family systems therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy. But no matter the type of therapy your therapist provides, know that the experience can be customized to meet your family’s unique needs.
Create healthier family dynamics with support from Rula
All families experience challenges from time to time. But if your family is living in a constant cycle of poor communication, unresolved conflict, emotional disconnect, or upsetting behavioral changes, it could be a sign to consider seeking family therapy.
You and your family don’t have to face these issues alone. The family therapists who work with Rula can help your family get to the root of conflicts, provide tools for healthy communication, and help you nurture the bonds with the ones you love.
Whether you need individual, couples, family therapy, or a combination, our therapist-matching tool can help you connect with a therapist who accepts your insurance in just a few seconds. And, our network of over 10,000 therapists means you can be seen as soon as tomorrow.
Family therapists near you
New York, NY – Houston, TX – Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Austin, TX – Chicago, IL – Los Angeles, CA – Columbus, OH – Portland, OR – Dallas, TX – Jacksonville, FL – Charlotte, NC – Denver, CO – Philadelphia, PA – Seattle, WA – Find your city
About the author
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences. In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Rula's editorial process
Rula's editorial team is on a mission to make science-backed mental health insights accessible and practical for every person seeking to better understand or improve mental wellness. Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
More From Rula
With the right support, you can heal from trauma and start forming healthy relationships.
With therapy, you can address co-occurring trauma and substance use.
