While multiple research regarding resiliency, especially during the pandemic, focuses on resiliency traits and activities of individuals, we often forget that individuals are part of families and families are part of communities; and how these structures play on to each other is possibly more important given humans are social animals and our social structures play a huge role in our health and wellness.
A recent study, lead by researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Denver, found that families with a cohesive team-mindset emerged from the pandemic with stronger bonds.
“Although many studies have examined resilience in individuals in the aftermath of the pandemic, our study is one of the first to investigate resilience at the family level,” said author Allen Barton.
For their study, participants were recruited through the research survey firm Prolific. All were older than 18 years old, parenting at least one child between the ages of 4 to 17, resident of the U.S, and currently in a romantic relationship. Through the survey, they provided information about various aspects of their own and family life including how aspects of their family life has changed during the pandemic such has their marriage or currently relationships, children, and extended family members. They also responded to questions regarding well-being, communication patterns, spouse and partner relationship including gratitude and perceived stress, financial hardships, and feelings of loneliness.
The authors found that overall 10% stated their family relationships worsened over the pandemic, 42% stated their family bond improved, and 48% stated their family relationships remained stable.
Looking at several variables including demographic factors, education levels, financial hardship, couple communication, social integration, perception of gratitude from their partner, and a cohesive family mindset, they found that families who came out of the pandemic closer and stronger were those who had highest level of a team, cohesive family mindset.
“During times of adversity and hardship, orientations to family life that emphasize teamwork and personal fulfillment through meeting the needs and wants of the broader family unit, versus meeting the needs and wants of oneself, may provide a unique strength-based asset for families,” said Barton. Barton also pointed out that a cohesive family mindset requires an attitude where the sacrifices for the family’s good is not perceived as a barrier to the individual’s happiness, but rather another means to achieve happiness.
As a man, it is absolutely critical that you are a source of comfort and support to hold your family together, especially in the time of crisis. This is one of the trials of a man. You don’t run to the bar or blame others for your family’s satisfaction. Fact is, your happiness must be derived from the thriving of your family rather than what you think you have lost because of them. And promoting good family values from he beginning is a must through good times and through bad times. Bottom line, real men don’t run away from their family, especially when times are tough.
The study was published in Journal of Marriage and Family.
AW Barton et al. Family resiliency in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: a latent profile analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/jomf.12929
