Department of Communication, University of Denver

Family Communications 

Beth Suter 

November 18th, 2024

 

Throughout the past decade, there has been a rise in mental crises. There were several upticks in anxiety and depression especially in correlation with COVID-19. Since there has been a heavier spotlight shown on mental health there have been more and more studies done on it. This research aims to explore the role of family dynamics, including parenting styles, sibling relationships, and generational attitudes toward mental health, in shaping the mental health outcomes of individuals. Through this research, the goal is to see how family interactions contribute to or alleviate mental health struggles and why these dynamics may lead to similar feelings of isolation or resilience across different cultural backgrounds. Since there has been such a spike in speech surrounding mental health there has been a lot more research done to try and understand why this is happening and if it is correlated with other factors. 

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Global mental health challenges have hit the United States harder than it seems to have in other countries with optics in therapy and prescription meds for anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With this uptick, it can be inferred that family dynamics and sibling dynamics are contributing factors to this. Looking into families and how they play into anxieties could play a key role in understanding how to regain control over the mental health crisis not only in the US but across the world.  The global mental health epidemic is deeply influenced by family dynamics, including parenting styles, sibling relationships, and generational communication, which shape individual mental health experiences across diverse cultural contexts.

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Over the past few decades, mental health has gained increasing recognition as a critical component of overall well-being. In the late 20th century, mental health issues were often stigmatized, leading to a lack of understanding and inadequate treatment options. Many individuals suffering from mental health disorders faced discrimination and isolation, which hindered their ability to seek help. However, the 21st century has seen a significant shift, with growing awareness and advocacy for mental health care. The rise of the internet and social media has facilitated discussions around mental health, helping to destigmatize conditions such as anxiety and depression. Public campaigns and educational initiatives have contributed to a broader understanding of mental health, encouraging individuals to seek support and treatment.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain in the mental health epidemic. Access to help continues to be a significant issue, particularly in underserved communities where resources may be limited. Additionally, societal pressures, including world issues and the impact of social media, can exacerbate mental health issues, particularly among the younger generation. While advancements in research have led to better understanding and treatment of mental health disorders, including the development of new therapies and medications, there is still a long way to go. Overall, while progress has been made in recognizing and addressing mental health, the journey toward comprehensive support and care continues. (Dienlin, 2024)

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A crucial role for families is their communication patterns. By having an effective communication style they are able to de-escalate situations a lot sooner than if they didn’t talk about it. Having good communication styles fosters understanding and strengthens relationships within the family unit. Having bad communication patterns can lead to misunderstanding and prolonged conflict. Family communication and understanding are key factors in having better mental health. In the book, The Anxious Generation, it is found that "family dynamics play a  crucial role in shaping an individual's mental health, as supportive family relationships can foster resilience, while dysfunctional interactions can contribute to psychological distress." (Dienlin, 2024) All of these factors can be detrimental to a family unit if not implemented. 

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Parenting styles and resilience narratives significantly impact children's mental health. Research by Anna Marcucci in “Family Storytelling About Mental Health and the Resultant Memorable Messages” talks about how negative family stories can reinforce stigmas and create barriers to open discussion about mental health. Kids who experience negative messages about mental health reported feeling shame and hesitation to seek help. For instance, some participants recalled messages that suggested mental health struggles were a choice or a sign of weakness, which contributed to a culture of avoidance and stigma within families. Having a negative stigma surrounding mental health in families contributes to the overall stigmatization of mental health across the country leaving children and adults feeling helpless and unsupported by their families. Losing the support of family members in a journey to overcome any mental illness results in a longer healing period and increased chances of relapse in depressive episodes. Without the support of family members, it is less likely for the person to seek help. Having emotional validation from trusted members of your family's inner circle will result in an easier path to seek help. 

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Sibling relationships can either foster emotional resilience or exacerbate mental health struggles. Not unlike unsupportive parents or parental figures, siblings are also a very crucial part of mental health. Having a strong connection with a sibling can be a deal breaker in your mental health journey. Having a sibling to talk to and confide in makes asking for help or seeking it yourself more plausible. Not only does it increase your sense of self but it allows for acceptance of yourself. In a study done by Chris Sergain at the University of Arizona, it was found that “sibling relationships can provide a unique form of social support, often compensating for parental influence.” (Segrin, 2006) Research also indicated that siblings often serve as emotional 

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mirrors, with their interactions either strengthening coping mechanisms or reinforcing anxieties. Having both of these as buffers in the mental health journey makes it so getting better is an option. Having a supportive person who listens was proven to increase the chance of asking for help. Seeking help is the biggest barrier to mental health, the percentage of people who go and seek help after being diagnosed with a mental disorder is a lot lower than once thought. Especially now that there is a defined mental health crisis in the world there has been a spiked number in diagnoses but not in therapy compared to the number getting diagnosed. 

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Throughout the research of Chis Sergian, there was an anonymous survey sent out asking about sibling dynamics and how they have contributed to mental health. Some of the quotes included, “Having a sibling means you always have someone to share your secrets with, your fears, and your dreams. This bond can be a source of strength and support throughout life”, “ The relationship between siblings can shape our emotional landscape, influencing our self-esteem and mental health for years to come.”, and “Siblings are the only enemy you can't live without.” (Segrin, 2006) All of these quotes were taken from surveys and interviews where the main focus was sibling relationships and their importance to mental health. It revolves around the emotional and psychological dynamics that exist within sibling bonds. While there was no definitive answer if having a sibling was more beneficial than not having a sibling it is still a dynamic that can affect getting better. 

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Generational feelings toward mental health influence how family members communicate about mental health, often shaping attitudes toward help-seeking. In almost all cases there is a strong pull of unsupportive parents not condoning therapy or most forms of help-seeking for mental health. Since you are shaped from a young age by parental figures what they have to say effects how a child will react through maturing. Ed Kara’s research on family narratives and historical context shows how the phenomenon of repressed memories and associated therapies became woven into popular culture, influencing societal attitudes toward mental health. This cultural backdrop can shape how different generations perceive mental health issues and the willingness to seek help. This is a growing issue in the world with younger generations wanting to seek help but older ones show more hesitancy towards it. 

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“In 2022, 26% of young adults (ages 18–26) received counseling or medication for mental health concerns. This was a 45% increase from 2019, which was the largest increase of any age group” (Lee, 2024) it was also found that “In the U.S., 65% of teens who received mental healthcare were female, while only 35% were male.” Providing more insight into gender differences within the mental health community. (Siegel, 2023) Having such a vast difference not only in gender but in age as well is a striking contrast. Data reinforces that older generations do not seek therapy as frequently as younger generations. Generationally there is a gap that needs to be bridged to bring families closer together. A child growing up in a family that does not accept therapy or want to seek help will have a detrimental impact on their mental health. This will instill a barrier that makes seeking help less plausible due to reinforced stigmas. 

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A way to destigmatize is to seek online support groups, this can highlight how shared experiences can influence attitudes toward mental health. By having a group of people, online or in person, that helps support outside of the family unit will increase the chances of actually seeking help. This is a more common occurrence now than it has ever been with ruffly one in seven young struggling with mental health compared to adults 50 and up with on 3% reporting struggle with their mental health. (Society, 2008) (World Health Organization, 2023) Since the 

difference in reporting is so different there is a lack of understanding and resolution from both ends of the spectrum. While this is a significant factor in family dynamics the only way to close this gap is through education and teaching all parties about the importance of open conversations and seeking help 

This research demonstrates that family dynamics play a critical role in shaping mental health outcomes, with parenting styles, sibling relationships, and generational communication each contributing uniquely. Understanding these factors emphasizes the importance of fostering open, supportive family environments to promote mental well-being.

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In conclusion, family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping individual mental health, with parenting styles, sibling relationships, and generational attitudes serving as important factors. Supportive and open family communication instills resilience, while stigma can exacerbate mental health struggles. “Research highlights how negative family messaging about mental health can discourage help-seeking behaviors.” (CARA, E. 2014) This can perpetuate cycles of silence and stigma. On the other end, positive sibling dynamics and parental support can provide emotional stability and encouragement, enhancing the critical role families play in mental health journeys. Generational divides further emphasize the need for dialogue, as younger generations increasingly seek help despite resistance from older family members. Understanding these dynamics provides a foundation for fostering healthier, more empathetic family environments that prioritize mental well-being.

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Reflecting on the woven nature of family and mental health, it becomes clear that destigmatizing mental health conversations within families is crucial to addressing the global mental health crisis. “By bridging generational gaps and encouraging supportive family 

narratives, we can create environments where individuals feel empowered to seek help and share their struggles.” Greenwell, M. R. (2019) The research explored in this essay demonstrates the profound impact of family interactions on mental health outcomes and highlights the importance of advocacy and awareness. Moving forward, prioritizing family education about mental health and fostering open communication can help break down barriers, creating a more compassionate and supportive society.

References

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References: 

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Lee, C. (2024, August 1). The Share of Young Adults Who Received Mental Health Treatment Jumped 45% from 2019 to 2022, the Largest Increase Among Any Age Group. KFF. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/press-release/the-share-of-young-adults-who-received-mental-health-treatment-jumped-45-from-2019-to-2022-the-largest-increase-among-any-age-group/

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Siegel, E. (2023, January 6). 6 Stats That Show Which Teens Receive Mental Health Services. Charlie Health. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.charliehealth.com/research/6-stats-that-show-which-teens-receive-mental-health-services-and-why

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Society, C. (2008). Children and young people: statistics. Mental Health Foundation. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics

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World Health Organization. (2023, October 20). Mental health of older adults. World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults

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Dienlin, T. (2024). Book Review: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of     Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/xed6w 

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Segrin, C. (2006). Gender, work, and family well-being in the United States. Work, Family, Health, and Well-Being, 337–354. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410613523-34 

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Greenwell, M. R. (2019). Memorable Messages from Family Members About Mental Health: Young Adult Perceptions of Relational Closeness, Message Satisfaction, and Clinical Help-Seeking Attitudes. Health Communication., 34(6), 652–660. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2018.1431021

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CARA, E. (2014). THE MOST DANGEROUS IDEA IN MENTAL HEALTH. Pacific Standard., 7(6), 34–43. 

https://du.primo.exlibrisgroup.com

Mansson, D. H. (2013). College Students’ Mental Health and Their Received Affection From Their Grandparents. Communication Research Reports : CRR., 30(2), 157–168.

https://doi.org/10.1080/08824096.2012.763028

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Torres, Z., Oliver, A., & Fernández, I. (2024). Older adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: The association with social networks. Social Networks., 78, 164–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2024.02.003