The development of chronic conflicts between family members is related to repetitive patterns of interaction that have been formed over time. These are patterns that cause constant tension, anger, resentment, or misunderstandings. They can be caused by different factors, such as communication problems, lack of trust, emotional distance, lack of empathy, financial difficulties, addictions, among others.
There are some patterns that seem to increase the risk of divorce, separation, or chronic conflict more than others.
One common pattern is criticism. Criticism refers to negative comments about someone's personality traits, behavior, appearance, actions, etc. This type of relational dynamic tends to create an atmosphere of hostility and contempt, making it difficult for people to resolve their differences and forgive each other's mistakes. Another pattern is defensiveness. When one party feels attacked or threatened by another, they may try to defend themselves rather than addressing the problem. This can lead to further escalation of tensions and mistrust.
A third pattern is stonewalling. It refers to when one member of the couple refuses to participate in a discussion or listen to the other's point of view. This can happen due to various reasons, including fear, insecurity, feeling overwhelmed, or avoidance. Stonewalling often leads to feelings of frustration, loneliness, and distrust, which can make it difficult to rebuild trust and intimacy in the relationship.
A very damaging pattern is contempt. Contempt involves belittling, mocking, or ridiculing the partner. It is a sign of disrespect and can create great tension and resentment, making it hard to find solutions to conflicts.
Lack of emotional support can also be a key factor in creating repetitive patterns of interaction that can increase the likelihood of family problems. Family members who do not receive affection, understanding, or support from their loved ones are likely to feel isolated, lonely, and rejected, increasing the risk of disagreements and misunderstandings.
All these patterns can contribute to the development of chronic conflict between family members and increase the chances of divorce or separation. For this reason, it is important to identify them as soon as possible and take measures to prevent or overcome them. Couples counseling can help couples recognize and manage conflict dynamics, while individual therapy can provide support for individuals facing emotional difficulties.
Which repetitive relational patterns increase the risk of divorce, separation, or chronic conflict in families?
In today's society, there are several types of repetitive relationship patterns that can lead to an increased risk of marital breakdown or chronic conflict within a family setting. One such pattern is unresolved conflict or disagreements between partners. Unaddressed issues often fester over time and eventually lead to resentment, hostility, and contempt, which can create a vicious cycle of negative emotions that ultimately damage the marriage.