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A dysfunctional family is the term used to describe a family where conflict, misbehaviour and abuse of varying degrees and types takes place on a continuing basis but because the children are usually born into it, they live with the conception that they are a normal family. Family dysfunction can be any circumstance that interferes with healthy family functioning. Dysfunctional family members have common symptoms and behavior patterns as a result of their common experiences within the family structure.
Many dysfunctional family heads under-function, providing few boundaries and little guidance so that their children are left to fend for themselves. Others are inconsistent or violate basic boundaries of appropriate behavior resulting in family members that have profound difficuties both with their own conduct and their ability to deal with others. Frequently, the dysfunctional family stems from alcoholism and the problems created by that tend to be chronic and are passed down generation to generation. Even when the abuse of alcohol end, the family system created by it continues in the children of the children, through the affects on what is often called the inner child as esposed by educator's such as John Bradshaw.
In order to survive, children growing up in a dysfunctional family adjust by adopting one of four basic roles:
- "The Good Child" - often the family hero who assumes the parent role
- "The Problem Child" - becomes the scapegoat
- "Caretaker" - takes responsibility for the emotional well-being of the family
- "The Lost Child" inconspicuous, the quiet one
The dysfunctional family knows no social, financial or intellectual bounds.
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