Six Signs of Strength and Resilience in Families
Have you ever wondered why some families grow stronger while others seem to drift apart and detach?
Research (Landers et al., 2020) has shown that “strong” and “resilient” families share several characteristics in common:
Flexibility and accepting: Families are able to go with the flow and and adapt to schedule/plan changes.
Communicates effectively and often: Family members increases discussions among each other and encourage openness, honesty, and respect.
Joins similar communities: Family members find support networks that can normalize their experiences and provide support. For example, law enforcement wives groups.
Makes family a priority: Family members schedule family gathering, such as date nights, or family nights. If events need to be rescheduled, they actually follow through.
Encourages being a “team”: Family is able to use humor, honesty, and mutual understanding to advocate for a true team approach.
Offers help when needed: Family members are willing to offer help and this offer is reciprocated by other family members.
If you are interested in assessing the strength and growth areas for your family, reach out to our behavioral health providers to learn more: Click Here.
-Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D.
References: Landers, A. L., Dimitropoulos, G., Mendenhall, T. J., Kennedy, A., & Zemanek, L. (2020). Backing the blue: Trauma in law enforcement spouses and couples. Family relations, 69(2), 308-319
