4 Family Stress Dangers
Financial troubles, family fights, divorce, and relocation can bring lots of family stress. Family is supposed to be a source of support and love, but if the home environment is chaotic and stressful, family stress dangers can harm all the members, including children.
Listed below are four examples of family stress dangers:
Obesity
A study from the University of Houston has found a connection between family stress and obesity. The researchers reviewed data from 4,700 adolescents and found that young girls from high stressed families, such as families experiencing financial troubles, experienced the family strain different than young boys. And in the study, these girls were more likely to struggle with obesity by the time they turned 18 years old, due to family stress.
Negatively Affected Immune System
A Swedish study published in the Journal of Immunology has found that children who live in a stressful family environment had higher stress levels. This stress can negatively impact their immune systems, making their bodies less resistant to bacteria and viruses. And unfortunately, this can lead to more illnesses in children.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
A study from San Francisco State University found that the stress of separated families or divorced families could cause children to develop unhealthy eating habits. Researchers found that the children were more likely to drink sugary beverages. This made them more at risk for obesity later in life.
Depression
A study published in the Clinical Psychological Science found that life stressors, like interpersonal relationship stress, could negatively impact adolescents. In the study, certain instances of family stress, increased the risk of depression in teen girls . Adolescent girls from the study were more exposed to these stressors and showed more depressive symptoms for a longer period of time.
Obesity, depression and weak immune systems are just a few symptoms of family stress. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges.
Bonus Tip: Relieve Family Stress
Plan a family gathering or game night to relax together. Have a calmer morning by pre-planning and pre-packing the night before. For more advice, try these tips from Dr. Kathleen Hall.