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The Interplay Between Mental Health and Relationships with Family

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Content warning: This article involves discussions of childhood maltreatment and parental conflict. Reader discretion is advised


A person’s family can act as a crucial support system for them, providing a sense of security and acting as a primary source of comfort, reassurance, love, and support. Family’s significance is paramount in influencing our mental health, particularly during the formative years of childhood, when familial interactions become a defining aspect of our environment (Buka et al., 2022). The family dynamic plays a pivotal role in predicting behavioural patterns and shaping the trajectory of individuals’ lives (Mohd‐Zaharim & Hashim, 2023). When an individual’s early years are marked by trauma and exposure to dysfunctional behaviours within the family unit, the repercussions can extend into one's adult life. These repercussions can have a long-lasting impact on one’s emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall mental health (Leeb et al., 2011). For example, these individuals may adopt unhealthy habits observed during childhood, or their traumatic experiences may influence their cognitions in a manner that disrupts their ability to lead a functional life. This article explores how mental health problems in young individuals are connected to emotional and physical abuse within their families, including witnessing abuse in parental relationships.


Childhood maltreatment, encompassing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, is linked to psychological disorders that can persist throughout an individual's life (Leeb et al., 2011). According to a meta-analysis conducted by Norman et al. (2012), children who experienced both physical and emotional abuse, along with neglect, were twice as likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes in the future. These outcomes encompass diagnoses of clinical disorders, including personality disorders, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (Norman et al., 2012). Many adults who were victims of childhood abuse often exhibit symptoms such as paranoia and hostility (Norman et al., 2012). They may develop dysfunctional interpersonal attachment styles, face a higher risk of attempting suicide, and demonstrate cognitive distortions (Leeb et al., 2011; Tursz, 2013).  Cognitive distortions are irrational or exaggerated ways of thinking that contribute to negative feelings and behaviours (Yurica & DiTomasso, 2005). For example, a person experiencing cognitive distortions may take excessive responsibility for events, blaming themselves for things that are not their fault (Yurica & DiTomasso, 2005).


Unfortunately, due to the hidden nature of child maltreatment, it is approximated that 50% to 90% of mistreated children and youth go unnoticed by authorities (Tursz, 2013). A lack of awareness of maltreatment leads to a lack of interventions to counteract the potential adverse effects of such treatment (Leeb et al., 2011). The inability to seek treatment due to the hidden nature of maltreatment not only affects the individual currently experiencing or having experienced abuse but can also have repercussions for the future family of the survivor of abuse (Tursz, 2013). For example, if a person who has endured childhood abuse remains unable to access treatment or support due to the concealed nature of the maltreatment, they may struggle with unresolved trauma and psychological challenges. As they start their own family in the future, these unaddressed issues can potentially impact their ability to nurture healthy relationships with their own children and contribute to a cycle of intergenerational trauma and mental health issues. (Tursz, 2013).


Furthermore, family conflict between parents may lead to mental health issues for children, even if they are not direct targets of abuse. For instance, a study by Hess (2022) found marital conflict and intimate partner violence between parents to be predictors of diminished social skills, aggressive tendencies, compromised self-control, reduced cooperation, increased feelings of loneliness and decreased prosocial behaviour in children. For example, upon observing a classmate struggling with their science homework, a friend generously volunteers to tutor them during their lunch breaks. This helping behaviour exemplifies prosocial behaviour, actions intended to benefit others or society at large (Lam, 2012). However, as noted by Hess (2022) this prosocial behaviour tends to be lower among children who witness parental conflict.  Moreover, the mere perception of a threat arising from parental conflict was associated with diminished self-esteem and self-efficacy, which is an individual's belief in their capability to carry out the necessary actions to achieve a specific goal (Mohd‐Zaharim & Hashim, 2023). Hence, the influence of parental conflicts on the self can lower a child's sense of self-worth and confidence in navigating life's challenges (Mohd‐Zaharim & Hashim, 2023).

Moreover, children who witness frequent conflict between their parents may be inclined to replicate the observed behaviours in school (Hess, 2022). Imagine a situation in which kids frequently saw their parents aggressively yelling while trying to resolve conflicts. The kids may accept this conduct as standard for resolving disputes. Consequently, when faced with disagreements or challenges at school, these children may replicate the learned aggressive communication style, resorting to yelling or hostility (Hess, 2022). Consequently, the learned behaviours from parental conflict may inhibit a child's ability to form constructive and healthy relationships with peers (Hess, 2022). This social isolation or strained interpersonal connections with peers can lead to feelings of loneliness and contribute to mental health issues such as depression (Umberson & Montez, 2010).

In contrast to the challenges posed by witnessing abuse and parental conflict, it is essential to highlight that a supportive and loving home environment serves as a protective factor against mental health issues in children, as detailed by Butler et al. (2022). A protective factor is a factor that directly mitigates or shields against adverse outcomes in individuals facing elevated levels of risk (Butler et al., 2022). For example, if a child has experienced significant trauma and faces a high risk of developing mental health issues, supportive relationships, such as those with caring and understanding caregivers can serve as a protective factor (Butler et al., 2022). These supportive relationships give the child a secure environment to express their feelings, find comfort, and learn coping skills (Butler et al., 2022). This could make the child less susceptible to the harmful effects of prolonged stress and lower the risk that they would experience serious mental health problems in the future (Butler et al., 2022).


In essence, the family plays a pivotal role in shaping mental well-being, serving as a vital support system and influencing emotional development from early childhood into adulthood (Buka et al., 2022). Unfortunately, when family dynamics are marked by abuse or disharmony between parents, the consequences can extend across an individual's lifespan, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and mental health problems (Tursz, 2013). Conducting future research on the interplay between adverse family dynamics and mental health is imperative for effectively addressing and intervening in challenges associated with families experiencing abuse. Firstly, research outcomes can contribute to public awareness and education about the importance of healthy family environments for mental well-being. This knowledge empowers individuals and families to recognize signs of abuse and seek assistance proactively. Secondly, understanding how adverse family dynamics impact mental health allows for the development of informed interventions. Researchers can identify efficient methods for mitigating the negative effects of family-related stressors, leading to better mental health outcomes for individuals and families.



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