Characteristics of Dysfunctional Families. Dysfunctional families are the breeding ground for adults and children who struggle with addictive and other self-defeating behaviors.
Most of these family members have difficulty with relationships and especially with intimacy. There are many characteristics these families have in common; this time and next we’ll look at ten of the most common. Shame is used to control. Characteristics of Dysfunctional Families. Below is a list of common symptoms and behavior patterns in dysfunctional families, and their affect on Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families.
You may find some or all of these characteristics in a family, depending on how healthy or unhealthy it is. 1) Abuse Children suffer from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; or witnessing the abuse of someone else. As adults, they may carry the childhood pain throughout their lives, as the passing of time does not seem to heal trauma. 2) Perfectionism Parents' constant criticism can leave a child to feel a deep sense of worthlessness and shame.