Conflicts in young families can stem from various psychological factors. Here are some of them:
1. Mismatched Expectations: Partners in young families might have different expectations about marriage and family life. If these expectations don't align, it can lead to disappointment and conflicts.
2. Adjustment to Coexistence: Transitioning from individual lives to shared family life can be challenging. Learning to share responsibilities, consider each other's needs, and find compromises is essential.
3. Financial Issues: Money can be a significant source of conflict in families. Different views on managing finances, financial instability, or ineffective budget planning can lead to tension.
4. Communication Problems: Insufficient skill in expressing feelings, needs, and expectations can lead to misunderstandings and pent-up resentment. Poor communication can contribute to conflict development.
5. Role Changes: The joint decision to create a family may require changes in roles and responsibilities for each partner. Adapting to new roles is not always easy, especially if they don't align with expectations.
6. Stress and Pressure: Modern life's pressures, such as work, education, and family obligations, can strain young couples. Emotional stress and overload can contribute to conflicts.
7. Personal Issues: Personal problems like low self-esteem, unresolved psychological traumas, or stress can impact partners' ability to interact constructively and resolve issues.
8. Family Background: Partners' family experiences can influence their views on marriage, parenting, and their role in the family. Differences in approaches can lead to conflicts.
9. Lack of Support: The absence of emotional and practical support from each other during tough times can intensify tension and conflicts.
10. Changes in Intimacy: Changes in the intimate sphere can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, especially if partners aren't ready to openly discuss their needs and expectations.
To resolve conflicts in young families, it's important to listen to each other, find compromises, discuss significant issues, and seek help from a professional psychologist or family counselor if needed. Effective communication, empathy, and mutual support are key in navigating the challenges that arise in the early stages of family life.
Charlie Ella,
Family psychologist, USA