According to Dr. Dixon, "dysfunctional family dynamics" refers to an unhealthy family system where the interactions among members negatively affect one or more individuals. “This dysfunction can manifest in various ways, from obvious issues like addiction and neglect to more subtle patterns of behavior that can be difficult to see,” she points out.Related: How To Deal With a Narcissistic Parent, According to Psychologists
8 Signs of Toxic Family Dynamics, According to a Psychologist
2. Guilt-Tripping Disguised as Concern
Another trouble sign Dr. Dixon says you shouldn’t disregard is guilt-tripping within a family, as it can have a lasting impact on relationships and a person’s well-being. “Guilt-tripping can blur the lines between genuine care and manipulation, leading to confusion and resentment,” she discloses. If you’re not sure what an example of that could be, Dr. Dixon says one instance is when a parent says something like, “I’m just worried about you.”“This phrase is used when guilt-tripping because they are actually trying to control their child’s choices, which can foster resentment over time,” she clarifies.
4. Lack of Empathy
One other sign that you should not dismiss has to do with compassion. “This is a red flag and shouldn’t be ignored because a lack of empathy can cause family members to feel dismissed and misunderstood, leading to emotional isolation,” Dr. Dixon states. “If one member is going through a tough time but feels ignored, it can create a cycle of emotional disconnection that extends beyond the family unit, affecting relationships outside the home.”
6. Unhealthy Communication Patterns
A common red flag that you should not overlook comes down to how you talk with each other in your family. “Poor communication leads to misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts, making it hard for family members to express their needs,” Dr. Dixon mentions. “For instance, if family members avoid discussing feelings to spare each other’s feelings, it can create a barrier to open dialogue and emotional support.”
8. Manipulation and Control Issues
Manipulation is a red flag of dysfunctional families that Dr. Dixon tells Parade shouldn’t be ignored. Why? She warns it can deeply affect someone’s sense of independence and personal growth. “Manipulation fosters dependency and stifles personal autonomy,” she notes. “If parents guilt-trip their children into compliance—like saying, ‘If you loved me, you’d do this’—it can lead to resentment and a feeling of obligation rather than genuine connection, leaving the child struggling to make independent decisions later in life.”
Focus on Self-care
“Prioritizing self-care is vital when dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics because they can be emotionally draining and create a sense of obligation that weighs you down,” Dr. Dixon says.While it can be difficult to prioritize your own needs, she points out it will make a big impact in your own life if you do and help you heal.“Stepping back to focus on your well-being can be a game-changer,” she explains. “Setting boundaries around your involvement in family matters allows you to nurture your mental and emotional health. Remember, sometimes you have to break away from the chaos to find clarity and peace. It’s essential to acknowledge that doing what’s best for you doesn’t mean abandoning your family; instead, it’s about breaking the cycle of dysfunction so that you can create a healthier future for yourself.”
See a Therapist
Seeking out support may not be something you want to do at first, however, Dr. Dixon reveals it can be incredibly beneficial if you find yourself trying to navigate dysfunctional family dynamics in your own life.“Therapy provides a safe space to identify and unpack the patterns of dysfunction that may have developed over time,” she says. “A trained professional can offer an objective perspective, helping you see things that might be hard to recognize when you're too close to the situation. Individual therapy can also empower you to understand how these family patterns have impacted you personally, allowing you to work through those issues and break free from generational cycles of dysfunction.”Up Next:
Related: Child Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents to Never Turn a Blind Eye to These 12 Behaviors
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Dr. Patricia Dixon, licensed clinical psychologist based in Florida Read More Details
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