Module 6: Family Conflict & Crisis
DISCLAIMER
The following module discusses issues of familial and relationship stress, abuse, and trauma. If you find any of the content distressing or triggering, please seek help from your academic institution’s counseling or student support services and medical professionals.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this module, scholars will be able to:
- Understand the dynamics and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse within families, including its impact on relationships, parenting, and overall family functioning.
- Identify the signs and characteristics of relationship abuse, including domestic violence, intimate partner violence among immigrants and refugees, and the role of technology in intimate partner violence.
- Analyze the various forms and effects of rape and sexual assault on individuals and families, including the psychological, emotional, and social impact on survivors and their support systems.
- Recognize the signs and consequences of child abuse within family contexts, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
- Explore the factors contributing to divorce, including the odds and predictors of divorce, and examine the effects of divorce on children’s emotional, social, and academic well-being.
- Evaluate the challenges and dynamics of remarriage and stepfamilies, including the adjustment process for children and adults, co-parenting strategies, and the role of communication and conflict resolution.
KEY TERMS & CONCEPTS
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INTRODUCTION
This module addresses the difficult yet crucial topics of family conflict and crisis, focusing on issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, relationship abuse, rape and sexual assault, child abuse, and divorce. We begin by examining how substance abuse can destabilize family dynamics, leading to a cycle of conflict and dysfunction. The module explores the impact of alcohol and drug abuse on individual family members and the family unit as a whole, highlighting the challenges of coping and recovery.
Further, the chapter analyzes the devastating effects of relationship abuse, rape, and sexual assault, emphasizing the profound psychological and emotional trauma these experiences inflict on victims and families. We also discuss child abuse, examining its various forms and long-term consequences for children and the broader family environment. Lastly, the module discusses the complexities of divorce, including the emotional and practical challenges families face during the separation process. By understanding these critical issues, readers can gain insights into the causes, effects, and potential resolutions of family conflicts and crises, fostering a deeper awareness and preparedness to address such situations.
