Silent sufferers: Unspoken psycho-social struggles of adults in conflict-ridden households

Abstract

Family is known to be a place related to peace, but when that place remains filled with problems, it affects people’s thoughts, emotions, and mental health. Mostly, adults don’t share their problems with others, remain silent, and endure everything quietly, particularly in conflict-ridden families. For this purpose, the study aimed at exploring the issues of adolescents in conflict-ridden families. Ten in-depth interviews were taken from young adults who faced parental conflicts in their lives. The selection criteria were adults aged 18 years and older, having conflict in the family, and willing to participate on a voluntary basis. Thematic analysis was done. The findings revealed that the homes where there is always conflict affect adults’ mental health and social well-being.  This study highlighted how social stigma, culture, and norms discouraged adults from expressing their emotions and thoughts to others and stopped them from getting help. The results of this study showed that the adults who faced all the conflicts should be supported. If we make the environment open to communication in our homes and give awareness about mental health, then the emotional well-being can be catered. This study emphasizes breaking the silence and providing psychological assistance to the conflict-ridden families.