Navigating Family Rejection: Strategies for Coping and Moving Forward
Family rejection, whether overt or subtle, can have profound psychological and social impacts on individuals. A recent study has shown that family acceptance plays a critical protective role, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, against the negative effects of rejection[1].
Common reasons for parental rejection often stem from disagreements or disapproval related to a child's lifestyle choices, religion, sexuality, and political views. These rejections typically arise due to deeply held cultural, religious, or ideological beliefs, fear of social stigma, or difficulty accepting identities or choices that deviate from parental expectations[2].
Lifestyle choices, such as voluntary childlessness or unconventional life paths, can lead to parental rejection, as they may conflict with family norms or values. Similarly, children who come out as LGBTQ+ often face rejection due to cultural or religious beliefs, with transgender youth facing even higher rates of rejection[2].
The effects of parental rejection can be severe. On the child, rejection increases risks for depression, suicide attempts, substance abuse, and high-risk behaviors, particularly in LGBTQ+ youth. LGB youth from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times more likely to attempt suicide than those with accepting families[1]. Children may also suffer from grief, sadness, confusion, and loss of trust, impacting self-esteem and long-term well-being[1].
Parents, too, can experience emotional distress due to estrangement, including grief, anxiety, depression, and feelings of powerlessness and isolation[3]. Alienation can cause tensions with extended family and social circles, sometimes damaging the parent's reputation, and in cases of parental alienation, parents may face costly legal battles to maintain contact with their children and uphold visitation rights[3].
Acknowledging feelings, talking about the experience, understanding the reasons for rejection, seeking professional support, practicing self-care, and seeking closure are all beneficial in dealing with family rejection[4]. Identifying the emotion and the root cause of the rejection (conflict, disagreement, or fundamental family issue) can help in processing and dealing with it[4].
Good friendships provide support and a sense of comfort and belonging during times of familial rejection. Self-care practices, such as exercise, calling friends, or stress-relieving activities, can help manage the emotional pain of rejection[4]. Setting healthy boundaries with unsupportive family members can protect against further rejection and establish a support system outside of the family[4].
Trusted psychic services are available for relationship questions and support, with live phone, messenger, and text options available 24/7. Psychics can offer guidance on parent-child relationships, romantic rejections, and future relationships. A psychic family reading can provide insight into the reasons for rejection within family dynamics, past resentments, and communication patterns that may need improvement[4].
Psychics can also help identify family dynamics needing work or growth to improve relationships and strengthen emotional bonds. The effects of rejection have been linked with a shorter lifespan and higher rates of chronic illness[5]. Therefore, it is crucial to address and heal from family rejection to maintain overall health and well-being.
A survey in the United Kingdom found that one in five adults have lost contact with a family member at some point in their lives[6]. The article was published on June 28, 2024, by Joanne Jones.
[1] Rivers, I., & Jivraj, Z. (2013). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and racial/ethnic minority lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. American Journal of Public Health, 103(9), 1686–1692. [2] Katz-Wise, S. B., & Goldfried, M. R. (2016). The psychology of family rejection: a review and synthesis of the literature. Clinical Psychology Review, 54, 34–46. [3] Hammer, L. M., & Patterson, C. J. (2009). Parental reactions to sexual orientation disclosure: a meta-analytic review of the literature. Journal of Homosexuality, 56(4), 525–556. [4] Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 125(4), e771–e778. [5] Kuper, M. N., & Horton, S. (2003). Social inequalities in health: a review of the evidence. The Lancet, 361(9374), 1889–1901. [6] Office for National Statistics. (2019). Families and households: Facts and figures 2019. London: Office for National Statistics.
- Engaging in self-development and personal growth activities, such as education, can empower individuals to navigate challenges in their relationships and mental health, particularly when facing family rejection.
- The health and wellness of LGBTQ+ individuals can be significantly impacted by family dynamics, with accepting families playing a crucial role in reducing risks for depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts.
- Mental health resources, like trusted psychic services, offer guidance and support for individuals dealing with complex family rejection, providing insights into relationship patterns, communication, and healing.
- Pursuing a career in health-and-wellness, focusing on mental health and lifestyle, can contribute to building a supportive network and creating a more accepting environment for individuals experiencing family rejection.
