Overcoming the Legacy of Family Dysfunction: A Path to Healing and Growth
Understanding Family Dysfunction: A Pervasive and Resilient Disease Family dysfunction is not merely a series of isolated incidents or temporary challenges. Rather, it is a deep-seated, persistent condition that permeates every aspect of family life. The term "disease" is apt in describing family dysfunction because it captures the systemic nature of the problem and its tendency to spread and worsen over time if left unaddressed. The pervasive nature of family dysfunction means that it affects all members of the household, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. It colors daily interactions, shapes communication patterns, and influences how family members relate to one another and the outside world. This pervasiveness is what makes the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family so enduring, often persisting long into adulthood. The resilience of family dysfunction refers to its ability to withstand attempts at change or intervention. Dysfunctional patterns of b...