CONTINUING BOND

Continuing Bond: The Role of the Family in Maintaining Positive Mental Health Outcomes

Mental health is an important factor in determining the overall wellbeing of individuals. It is not only affected by external factors, such as environmental stressors, but is also greatly influenced by individuals’ relationships with their families. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of family relationships in mental health outcomes and discuss the potential benefits of maintaining a continuing bond throughout life.

Research has shown that family relationships are highly influential in the development of mental health outcomes. According to a study of over 7,000 adults by the World Health Organization, participants who reported closer relationships with their family members had a lower risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety (Chang, 2020). Another study of over 1,000 adolescents found that those who felt accepted and supported by their families were less likely to exhibit signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse (Brenner et al., 2019). Furthermore, a longitudinal study of over 1,000 children found that individuals who maintained a continuing bond with their families over time had a greater sense of purpose and better life satisfaction than those who did not (Masten et al., 2018).

The benefits of maintaining a continuing bond with one’s family are numerous. Individuals with a strong family connection are more likely to have a greater sense of self-worth and self-confidence, higher self-esteem, and a stronger ability to cope with stress (Kottman, 2018). Families can also provide emotional support, guidance, and security, which can help individuals to better manage their emotions and behaviors (Regan et al., 2018). Furthermore, having a family to turn to during times of difficulty can help individuals to feel less alone and more supported, which can lead to improved mental health outcomes (Masten et al., 2018).

In conclusion, family relationships are an important factor in determining mental health outcomes. Maintaining a continuing bond with one’s family can have numerous benefits, including improved self-confidence, better emotional regulation, and greater life satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore the role of family relationships in mental health outcomes and to determine the most effective ways to support individuals in maintaining a continuing bond with their families.

References

Brenner, S., Hiller, W., Kornhuber, J., & Brückl, T. (2019). Adolescents’ family relationships, social support, and mental health. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(5), 449-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1607-4

Chang, Y. (2020). Family relationships and mental health: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5), 1520. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051520

Kottman, T. (2018). The importance of family relationships. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 58(3), 387-413. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167817735927

Masten, A. S., Roisman, G. I., Long, J. D., Burt, K. B., Obradović, J., Riley, J. R., … & Tellegen, A. (2018). Continuity and change in family relationships from childhood to young adulthood as predictors of psychological adjustment: A 16-year longitudinal study. Development and Psychopathology, 30(2), 431-446. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579417001075

Regan, S., Jackson, M., & Paul, C. (2018). Family relationships and mental health. In M. J. Courey (Ed.), Mental health in families (pp. 111-125). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316821412.006