The Psychology of Family Dynamics Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global outbreak of COVID-19 and the unprecedented lockdowns that followed have had a massive impact on relationships and family life. Many couples redefined their relationships, and many homes witnessed drastic changes in their family dynamics.

Relationships with extended family have become more challenging to manage as we see them less, and due to the 2020 election, political family tensions have the potential to become more polarizing than ever.

Unusual circumstances like this mean it’s important to maintain an understanding of marriage and family psychology. Staying aware of any issues that may arise surrounding changing family and relationship dynamics can help us be better prepared to meet these challenges and find solutions.

The Need for Family Psychologists During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Insights into family psychology have become even more crucial since the beginning of the pandemic. Family psychologists can help to resolve family issues in the following areas:

Mental Health

Cases of anxiety and depression have risen since the pandemic started, and this increase has taken a toll on families across the world. A family psychologist is instrumental in helping family members walk through these issues and resolve conflicts.

Drug Abuse

Since the pandemic started, many people have relapsed into addictions or developed substance abuse issues. A family psychologist’s job can help tackle the stress and emotional duress that comes with having a family member struggling with addiction. They can also work with those facing the addiction to get them the help they need.

Domestic Violence

Many families suffer at the hands of domestic violence conflicts, but this global issue has become more pronounced as we spend more time at home. The number of domestic violence cases has increased drastically across the globe. A family psychologist can assist victims of domestic violence with recovery, work through any psychological damage, and support the family as a whole.

Loss of Family Members

Many families have found themselves facing the death of a loved one during this time, whether from coronavirus or other causes. Whatever the case, the emotional pain caused by death—especially at this time—is extreme. With limited visitation and hospital access to visit the dying, restrictions on gatherings at funerals, and social isolation during the grieving process, many family members may feel additional strain when coping with a death. A family psychologist can help these families deal with their drastic losses and support them through a period of grieving and beyond.

Loss of Livelihood

Many businesses closed down as a result of the pandemic, causing a widespread loss of income. Finances can put pressure on family relationships and welfare. A family psychologist can assist families in coping with this difficult topic.

Family Psychology and Changing Family Dynamics

A family psychologist will mainly work to handle conflicts within “dysfunctional” family dynamics. A dysfunctional family is typically understood as a household with high conflict and broken communication or support systems.

In this type of household, each individual family member can be affected in different ways. Children may exhibit lasting psychological effects as a result of conflict in the home and bring this trauma into adulthood. Family psychology can help us understand the impact that various family dynamics have on us and mitigate any of its negative effects.

A dysfunctional family dynamic can manifest in a number of ways, including:

Aggression or Violence

This type of conflict in the home can lead to both emotional and physical abuse for family members. This creates an unsafe environment in the home, which can shape an individual’s future patterns of trust.

Addiction

Dealing with a family member who is battling addiction can be extremely difficult without professional help. Plus, its effect on all family members can be felt even outside of the home and impact how a person thinks or feels in other spheres of life.

Neglect or Limited Affection

Without displays of love, either physically or verbally, a family can be considered dysfunctional. This lack of affection can be internalized in members of the family and psychologically shape their mental health for years to come.

A family psychologist can help families or individuals who come from a dysfunctional dynamic to improve communication, work through any issues, and heal.

Becoming a Family Psychologist with a B.A. in Psychology

Family psychology is a branch of psychology that involves working with inter-familial relationships to help improve communication and resolve issues. Family psychologists use their knowledge of psychology and behavioral sciences to tackle issues surrounding a single family member or the family unit as a whole.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in family psychology, a B.A. in Psychology is a great place to start.

At The Chicago School, our bachelor’s programs in psychology are a great steppingstone for students looking for a career in psychology, counseling, or health sciences. They also offer concentrations within psychology, such as addiction studies.

If you are looking to pursue a career in marriage and family psychology, The Chicago School’s B.A. in Psychology programs provide the sound educational background and training needed to excel in the field.

For up-to-date information on career development as well as trends in psychology and health care, visit our online digital magazine, INSIGHT.