Families are groups of people who live together and share certain values, beliefs, and behaviors. They are often linked to specific locations such as houses or apartments, but they can also be spread out across cities or countries. Families have many roles and responsibilities that vary from family to family. They provide a safe space for their members where they learn about themselves, others, and the world around them. In addition, families help individuals develop skills needed to survive in society.
Sometimes, families face situations that leave deep marks on their members' personalities. These situations are called political traumas. Political traumas affect both the individual's mental health and social life.
A child may have witnessed violence during a war or experienced racist attacks while growing up in an authoritarian regime. These experiences shape how children feel about themselves, other people, and the world. They may develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms. Moreover, they may change their view on relationships, which will reflect on their behavior in future relationships. This article explains how families transmit political trauma through patterns of closeness, withdrawal, or hyperprotection.
Closeness is a pattern of interaction between family members characterized by open communication, honesty, and support. It implies trust and vulnerability. When families are close, members feel comfortable sharing their feelings, thoughts, and fears with each other. They rely on one another for advice and help. Closeness allows individuals to express themselves freely without judgment or criticism. As a result, they feel heard, understood, and valued.
Closeness has some drawbacks. It can lead to co-dependence, where family members need each other to function well. Also, it may create a sense of obligation to stay in touch even when there are disagreements. Another potential problem is overprotection. Families who are too protective may prevent their members from developing independence and taking risks.
Closeness can make it difficult for members to form new relationships outside the family, as they may become attached to it.
Withdrawal is a pattern of interaction that involves avoiding contact or discussion with other family members. Members do not share their emotions, opinions, or needs. Withdrawal can be caused by different factors such as fear of rejection, lack of trust, or differences in values. It creates an environment of isolation and loneliness, making family members feel unwanted or unloved. Withdrawal also prevents members from learning about each other's experiences and perspectives. This leads to misunderstandings and conflicts that may last for years. Withdrawal can have serious consequences on mental health, as individuals may develop depression or anxiety disorders. Moreover, it hinders social skills needed for building meaningful relationships outside the family. Hyperprotection refers to excessive caretaking and protection of family members, often to the point of smothering them. Family members may try to protect each other from any harm or danger, which may cause dependence and resentment. They may interfere with personal choices and decisions, leading to conflict and alienation. Hyperprotection can also lead to codependency and addiction problems.
Families transmit political trauma through patterns of closeness, withdrawal, or hyperprotection. Closeness allows members to express themselves openly but may lead to co-dependence and overprotection. Withdrawal creates isolation and misunderstanding while hyperprotection fosters dependency and resentment. Families should strive for balance between these three patterns to create a safe and supportive environment. By doing so, they will help their members heal from past traumas and build healthy relationships inside and outside the family.
How do families transmit political trauma through patterns of closeness, withdrawal, or hyperprotection?
Families tend to transfer traumatic experiences related to politics in various ways. While some families may close off emotionally and avoid discussing sensitive topics, others may become overly protective, creating an intense atmosphere that can cause further distress. Finally, some families may develop patterns of closeness where they share their experiences openly with each other, allowing for healing and understanding.