Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
Why Family Estrangement Happens & How To Fix It | Dr. Joshua Coleman, PhD
Dec 13, 2024
Dr. Joshua Coleman, a leading expert in family dynamics, discusses the rising trend of adult children distancing themselves from their parents. He dives into the psychological factors contributing to estrangement, including the influence of social media and shifting cultural perceptions of abuse. The conversation reveals how political divisions exacerbate family tensions and emphasizes the importance of empathy and effective communication for reconciliation. Strategies for healing, such as writing letters and addressing generational trauma, are explored for fostering understanding and connection.
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Quick takeaways
- Cultural shifts towards individualism and self-care have led many adult children to reassess and distance themselves from their parents based on value alignment.
- Social media's portrayal of family dynamics can hasten estrangement by encouraging young adults to label parents as toxic without considering reconciliation.
Deep dives
The Rise of Family Estrangement
Family estrangement has become increasingly common among adult children who choose to cut ties with their parents for various reasons. Factors contributing to this trend include a cultural shift towards individualism and a heightened focus on self-care and personal happiness. Many young adults now assess their relationships based on whether they feel aligned with their personal values, feeling justified to sever ties if those values clash. This creates a complex dynamic where the motivations for estrangement can range from emotional abuse to simply seeking independence, leaving parents grappling with the emotional aftermath.
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