How family dynamics affect the emotional well-being and behavior of children and adolescents?

Exploring the extent to which family dynamics play a role in the emotional as well as mental well-being, behavior, preferences and judgement of children and adolescents, with a special focus on the South-Asian population.

“Family is supposed to be our safe haven. Very often, it’s the place where we find the deepest heartache.”

-Iyanla Vanzant

Oftentimes the way someone acts is said to reflect on their ‘upbringing’ which essentially refers to the environment they grew up in and how they were raised. I’ve heard of this concept for as long as I can remember.

“They don’t behave too kindly, they must not have had the nicest upbringing”

My mother tellsme. Which made me wonder whether the way someone’s personality is shaped is a reflection of their dynamics with their family members.

This thought remained a vital part of my curiosity towards peer behavior, hence when I was given the opportunity to be able to conduct a deeper analysis into which (In CIPQ) I knew what my topic of research would be immediately.

Understanding of the problem

It would be an extreme use of hyperbole if I had to say I’m someone who likes everyone–It’s far from the truth–as anyone else, there are some people I really like and some people I don’t like as much.

I’ve always believed that every human being is considered a ‘sinner’ ; the only factor that differentiates us is the kinds of sins we tend to commit.

I came across an article that explained how ‘Home Environment’ largely affects the development of an individual. Which led me to thinking whether the core of our development into the adults we become heavily lies on our well-being as a child and adolescent.

When I was studying Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind in psychology class. The concept of the unconscious mind was largely interesting to me. Although Freud refers to rather generalisable behaviours of the human mind, I wanted to magnify the theory in regards to family dynamics.

Developing idea

Although I thoroughly enjoy doing philosophical and psychological research, I wanted to go the route of primary research.

In the beginning I drafted around 50 questions for each individual I will be interviewing, however after further reconsideration. I segregated the questions according to different ages of children.

If Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind is applied in this scenario, the mind would function differently for each age group of humans, hence the questions were altered to fit each age category.

Outcome

This project was undertaken with the primary goal of allowing me to develop a deeper and more personal understanding of the topic at hand.

In addition to enhancing my own knowledge, I intend to conclude the project by producing a comprehensive research report that will organize, summarize, and present all of the information and findings I have gathered throughout the course of my study.

Reflection

This research has greatly enhanced my understanding of the intricate relationship between family dynamics and an individual’s mental well-being and behavior. It has also deepened my appreciation for the complex ways in which the human mind functions.

The insights I have gained would not have been possible without the extensive research and foundational work conducted by numerous psychologists and scholars in this field.

Throughout this journey, I have also developed a wide range of valuable skills, including the ability to analyze and synthesize information more efficiently, improved communication and writing abilities, and stronger editorial and organizational capabilities, all of which have contributed significantly to my personal and academic growth.

Looking ahead

I intend to carry out a more in-depth and comprehensive investigation into the topic, taking into account a broader range of influences that shape human behavior.

This includes examining various biological, genetic, and social factors that contribute significantly to behavioral patterns, rather than focusing solely on the effects of family dynamics.

By incorporating these additional dimensions, the resulting research report will be far more detailed, well-rounded, and insightful in its analysis and conclusions.

At Keystone International School, students are encouraged to think critically, engage in meaningful inquiry, and pursue research that reflects real-world relevance just as demonstrated in this insightful student study on family dynamics and adolescent well-being.

If you would like your child to experience a school where curiosity is valued, student research is celebrated, and personalised guidance shapes every learner’s journey, we invite you to explore our programmes.

Blog written by

Verna

Grade: 12_A Level