Reasons Behind Increasing Family Estrangement

Separating from family members is becoming more common. This trend is prompting experts to examine what is causing these divisions. A YouGov survey in 2025 showed that 38% of U.S. adults are estranged from at least one family member, such as siblings, parents, children, or grandparents.

Key Factors of Family Estrangement

Dr. Richard L. Blake, a British psychologist working in Austin, Texas, discusses five key factors contributing to broken family relationships based on his research and experience.

1. Political and Value Differences

A significant study observed that “value dissimilarity” is a strong predictor of estrangements, showing that differences in beliefs can cause family rifts. Dr. Blake emphasized, “That could be political values or gender ideology. People are more likely to sever ties over different opinions than serious crimes. Political differences present a significant challenge.”

2. Social Media Influence

Heavy social media use links to poorer parent-child relationships. A study involving 9,800 teens found that over two hours daily on social media increased the odds of negative family relationships. Dr. Blake believes social media normalizes family estrangement by sharing viral stories about doing so for personal happiness. He explained, “People mimic content they see online, often seeking attention or validation.”

Though no long-term studies have established an increase in estrangement, Dr. Blake expressed that society is shifting from valuing “dignity culture” to “victim culture.” He noted, “The trend is to create a victim status to justify cutting ties with family.”

3. ‘Therapy Culture’

Changing attitudes toward trauma and abuse impact how relationships with parents are viewed. Dr. Blake observed, “Some cut ties for mental health protection, a false belief often driven by the notion that parental mistakes are the root of adult struggles.” He argued that family relationships are strong protective factors for mental health, as supported by a Minnesota study of adopted twins and another 2024 study by German sociologist Karsten Hank. The latter showed adults estranged from parents or siblings reported lower life satisfaction and more depressive symptoms.

4. Communication Breakdowns

Communication during conflicts significantly impacts long-term family relationships. Dr. Blake advised using “hostage negotiation” tactics in these situations. According to him, “Listen first, repeat back to confirm understanding, and avoid reacting immediately.” Additionally, moralized language like “abuse,” “toxic,” or “gaslighting” hampers resolution. He recommends avoiding “always” and “never,” and using “I” statements.

5. Outside Influences

External factors, like romantic partners and changing parenting philosophies, also play roles. Dr. Blake noted that romantic partners, especially for men, can influence family estrangement, as seen with public figures like Brooklyn Beckham and Prince Harry. Parental disagreements over child-rearing methods can cause rifts. Dr. Blake critiques recent parenting trends, suggesting, “We should reconsider the wisdom of previous generations instead of relying solely on modern approaches.”

Melissa Rudy, a senior health editor at Fox News Digital, contributed to this article. You can share tips at [email protected].