Modern research emphasizes that aggressive behavior in families is often rooted in the modeling of negative patterns, when adults fail to manage their anger and pass it on to their children.

Foundations of Domestic Violence: Family Dynamics and Socio-Psychologi

Modern research emphasizes that aggressive behavior in families is often rooted in the modeling of negative patterns, when adults fail to manage their anger and pass it on to their children. In addressing this issue, we see how a violation of basic principles of upbringing and a lack of genuine mutual understanding between parents and children lead to crises within the family. Special attention is given to aspects such as the degradation of the family structure, where Soviet and traditional values are increasingly being replaced by a consumer approach, resulting in emotional alienation. Aggravating factors also include socio-psychological problems—alcoholism, the loss of certain family members, inconsistent and uncaring parenting methods, as well as financial difficulties. Together, these factors contribute to the emergence of emancipation conflicts during adolescence and the formation of a negative attitude toward authority figures. In today's world, where family models are undergoing significant changes, it is essential to realize that every detail in parental behavior and upbringing can become the starting point for either building or destroying family harmony. Only through a responsible approach to upbringing and mutual understanding can a strong foundation be created for a future free from violence and conflicts.

What socio-psychological and family factors may contribute to the emergence of domestic violence when aggression comes from close relatives?

Answer: Various socio-psychological and family factors contribute to the development of domestic violence, especially when aggression comes from close relatives. Firstly, an important role is played by the modeling of aggressive behavior, when adults, unable to “grow up” in managing their anger, pass similar behavioral patterns on to their children. This behavior undermines the parental role model and creates an atmosphere in which aggression is seen as a way to resolve conflicts.

Secondly, significant factors include problems in the family upbringing system and incomplete mutual understanding between parents and children. When the family loses its primary function of nurturing—as noted, when the “almost complete disappearance of labor in the family” turns it into a consumer unit—this leads to a deterioration in family relationships, which can result in emotional alienation and conflicts within the family.

Furthermore, it is important to highlight the presence of several psychosocial problems. For example, frequent alcoholism among parents is observed, which exacerbates family relationships. Additionally, such issues may be accompanied by the loss of parents during childhood, inadequate parenting styles—whether indifference, inconsistency, or excessive strictness—and ineffective management of the family budget. This combination of factors often results in emancipation conflicts during adolescence and subsequently a negative attitude toward authoritarian figures, collectively increasing the risk of domestic violence.

Finally, it should be noted that modern social conditions, including the instability of the family structure—manifested, for example, in parental separation (with a significant portion of youth living in single-parent families or with alternative figures)—can also contribute to the escalation of negative emotions and conflicts, thereby increasing the likelihood of violence.

Supporting citation(s):
"By the time a person grows up, his ways of dealing with anger should also ‘grow up.’ But in reality, this is not the case at all. Adults, either consciously or by example, pass the same behavior patterns on to their children. ... But when parents teach their children to resort to aggression by setting an example, they fail to meet this task." (source: link txt)

"It is also well documented that alcoholism occurs more frequently among parents of both sexes. Female patients, in particular, are more likely to have a spouse who is an alcoholic, prone to absences from home. ETIOLOGY... inadequate parenting style (indifference, inconsistency, excessive strictness), and an improper approach to managing family finances..." (source: link txt)

"At the same time, raising children in a family is extremely challenging. One reason for this is that parents often struggle to understand their children and relate to them freely. ... The family itself possesses enormous potential for nurturing. However, the breakdown of the family not only stifles this potential but also leads to severe complications for the child's emotional well-being. ... Reasons: the almost complete disappearance of work in the family..." (source: link txt)

"An unstable modern family... According to a recent study, four out of ten American teenagers (39 percent) live with one parent. In eight out of ten cases, the father is absent. ..." (source: link txt)

These quotations demonstrate how personal behavior models, parenting characteristics, the presence of alcoholism, and a weakened family structure can create the conditions for the emergence of domestic violence.