Surjit Singh Flora
In the contemporary landscape, familial structures have undergone significant transformations. Family dynamics have evolved significantly from the past, where the traditional structure consisted of both parents residing together with their children. The familial bond has historically been regarded as indestructible. Before few decades people believed in marriages, and they understood the real meaning of it. People held high regards on the concept of marriage. The basic definition of marriage is – staying loyal forever, being there for each other in ups and downs, safeguarding the dignity of each other from in-laws and the taunts of parents and relatives, expressing love through unspoken words or actions which makes their partner feel special, having the feeling of oneness with the spouse. Earlier people tried their best to uphold these values in a relationship. Even though there might had been issued involved in the past, but the ultimate goal was to stay together for various reasons like reputation, mutual love for each other, kids, financial issues etc.., Many preferred to stay married even though they were not happy because of the fear of facing the society and challenges since divorce was considered as a taboo. A wedding represents one of the most joyous occasions in the lives of a young couple. This signifies the initial move towards realizing their aspirations of cohabitation, imbued with optimism for beginning a family and resonating with the soft sounds of small footsteps in their inaugural residence. In spite of the accolades from acquaintances and relatives, the expressions of goodwill, and the couple’s confidence in their partnership, for numerous individuals, the contemplation and subsequent occurrence of divorce arrive as an unexpected revelation, challenging to comprehend. The global landscape has evolved since the 20th century, transitioning from traditional homemakers to dual-income partnerships. Parents often find themselves preoccupied with their jobs, focusing on financial stability, which results in their children being left to navigate life without sufficient knowledge or guidance due to the limited time available for parental support. This has led to children experiencing autonomy and the impact of external factors, including social media, religious convictions, aspirations for effortless lifestyles, films, substances, romantic relationships, mobile technology, and adult content. The notion of marriage appears to have diminished among the current generation, with young men and women either showing a lack of interest in the institution or demanding marriage only after becoming sexually involved. This is evident across all social media platforms. The primary reasons for live-in relationships include the absence of commitments and the opportunity for young individuals, who may lack maturity and a deep understanding of love and mutual compatibility, to experiment and explore their connections. Nevertheless, in contemporary society, the notion of familial bonds appears increasingly implausible as a growing number of families experience estrangement. The incidence of divorce is increasing, co-parenting arrangements are proving ineffective for numerous individuals, and the rates of intimate partner violence and homicides are at alarming levels. The current state of disorder has fractured familial connections, resulting in family estrangement becoming a prevalent phenomenon of contemporary society. However, beneath the surface, there exists an individual who endures the majority of the consequences. This pertains to the younger generations who frequently find it difficult to manage societal expectations alongside their individual struggles. Here is the method. The influence of emotions Family estrangement frequently leaves young adults navigating a persistent landscape of confusion and sorrow. When parents divorce or separate, children perceive it as a significant loss, and they will continue to grieve, even into adulthood and as they raise their own children. These feelings frequently intensify when one or both parents begin new relationships. The children experience feelings of rejection and abandonment. Some individuals believe they are the primary reason for their parents’ divorce, which can result in significant mental health challenges. Frequently, individuals may find themselves in isolation and may even experience suicidal ideation.
Absence of a distinct identity Family estrangement often compromises the essential human desire for belonging, love, a sense of meaningful existence, and the ability to exert control over certain circumstances. Individuals from Generation Z and millennials who experience these family dynamics frequently grapple with their identity, leading to uncertainty about their existence and self-perception. During times like these, the situation is exacerbated by social media, which fosters negative perceptions of individuals from broken families, particularly those raised by single parents. Self-reliance In more challenging situations where parental figures are completely absent, adolescents from troubled backgrounds often find themselves compelled to confront difficult circumstances and take on responsibilities that are not rightfully theirs. Individuals strive for autonomy and explore opportunities to sustain and care for themselves.
Mental Health Issues
The dissolution of a marriage can increases the risk of mental health challenges among children and teenagers. Regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, children from divorced families frequently face increased psychological difficulties. Although certain individuals may experience an adjustment disorder that generally subsides within a few months, studies suggest that the prevalence of depression and anxiety is notably elevated among children from divorced families.
Low academic achievement
Subpar academic outcomes are frequently observed in children hailing from divorced households. Nevertheless, research has shown that the effects on academic performance differed based on the specific conditions related to the divorce. Children from families where divorce was unexpected frequently faced challenges in their academic pursuits. Conversely, individuals from families where divorce was expected did not uniformly encounter the same difficulties in their academic achievements. The situation becomes increasingly challenging when they have siblings relying on them. The absence of familial and parental support frequently exacerbates mental health challenges, resulting in profound sadness, anxiety, and potentially depression. Challenges in establishing connections The frequency with which members of Generation Z and late millennials are ending their relationships is concerning. Although they have often faced criticism for difficulties in maintaining relationships and marriages, the responsibility does not solely rest on their shoulders. Some individuals continue to endure the psychological scars imposed by their familial relationships.
They have cultivated a sense of distrust and find it challenging to place their confidence in anyone other than themselves. They often lack confidence in their relationships, compounded by societal stigma that contributes to their feelings of inadequacy. The accumulation of these challenges complicates the ability of younger generations to establish enduring relationships that may ultimately culminate in marriage.