Why do people become estranged from their families?

Estrangement occurs because of a perceived negative relationship. People do not simply desire distance without reason. Research suggests that reasons are typically severe – abuse, neglect and substance issues, for example.

What are the effects of estrangement?

The rejected parties suffer adverse psychological consequences such as loneliness, low self-esteem, aggression, and depression. Family estrangement activates the grief response, this is because people who have experienced this often see it as a loss they were not prepared for and happened unexpectedly.

What does being estranged mean?

Definition of estranged : having lost former closeness and affection : in a state of alienation from a previous close or familial relationship her estranged husband [=her husband with whom she no longer lives] Social workers may try to resolve conflicts between estranged siblings.—

What is the meaning of estranged family?

Family Estrangement
What Is Family Estrangement? Family estrangement happens when contact is cut off between family members. It can last for long periods of time or go through cycles where there is intermittent communication and reconciliation. Often, apathy or antagonism are the driving factors for the distance.

What is estrangement from family?

Estrangement from family is among the most painful human experiences. We are born into a close family tie, and our continued inclusion is literally a matter of life and death. Without an adult’s attention, care and love, we cannot survive infancy. This basic need does not go away, even when we are able to look after ourselves.

How do you deal with an estranged family member?

You can allow the other person space while still making it clear that things can change down the road. Becca Bland, chief executive of Stand Alone, a UK-based charity that supports adults who are estranged from their families, knows that people can feel tremendous pressure to reconcile, often before they’re ready to do so.

What happens when an adult child instigates family estrangement?

While family estrangement is sometimes temporary, an adult child who instigates estrangement is likely to believe that a functional relationship with a parent—a relationship that does not involve pain and humiliation, or bring with it a sense of betrayal—will never be possible.

What are the most common triggers of estrangement pain?

But the most common trigger of estrangement pain is the holiday season, which nine out of 10 people who suffer family estrangement report finding “challenging.” Quintessential times of family gatherings, communal hopefulness, gratitude, and celebration become hollow-eyed reminders of continuing emotional loss.