Families play a huge role in child and adolescent mental health. As some of the young people’s closest relationships, families can constitute a support system that reinforces healthy behaviours, underpins self-confidence, and helps navigate through challenging times.

On the other hand, unhelpful family dynamics or parenting behaviours – even when they’re unintended – can make the development of mental health symptoms more likely. A lot of the time, families aren’t aware when certain behaviours are harmful or how to create a positive and nurturing environment. 

Research from Dubai and the rest of the UAE, like other places in the world, has established the fundamental connections between family relationships and young people’s mental health. This means that family therapy is usually a key step in the treatment process, working with family members to identify problematic behaviours, develop positive family dynamics, and build a home environment that supports lasting recovery and well-being.

How Do Family Relationships Affect Young People’s Mental Health in Dubai and the UAE?

In recent years, several studies have explored the connection between family relationships and young people’s mental health in Dubai and the UAE. Here are a few of them.

Family Dynamics, Attachment Styles, and Eating Disorders

A 2023 study among UAE university students found that certain family styles made it more likely that a young person would develop disordered eating behaviours. They found that rigid styles (where parents imposed inflexible rules and expected young people to behave in a certain way) and chaotic styles (that lack any routine or expectations) were associated with dieting, bulimia, and a preoccupation with food.

Their results also showed that young people with anxious (insecure) attachment styles were more likely to have bulimia and a preoccupation with food. Attachment styles are primarily formed by relationships with parents during early childhood but continue to be shaped by relationships with family members (and other close relationships) through childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. This means that family dynamics can play a role in either reinforcing insecure attachment or supporting young people to develop secure attachment styles instead.

Depression and Social Connectedness

A 2021 study among adolescents in Abu Dhabi found that social connectedness and relationships with friends and family directly affected adolescents’ self-perceived depressive feelings.

The amount of quality time an adolescent spends with their family has one of the most significant impacts on feelings of depression. Those who spent less quality time with their families were also more likely to feel isolated, which in turn increased depressive feelings.

Stressful Family Relationships

A 2021 study among young people living in Dubai and seeking mental health treatment found that ‘family’ was the most commonly reported source of stress (cited by 56.8% of young people). Family stress was also more likely to be reported by females than males, who are less likely to have conflicts with their families.

Their results also suggested that family dynamics have an impact on the time it takes for a young person to seek mental health support. Overall, young people experiencing family stress took almost twice as long (1.75) to seek treatment as others.

Family Attitudes, Parental Support, and Help-Seeking

The capacity to reach out for support is one of the most important factors in maintaining good mental health in the long term. Research suggests that parental attitudes and support can play an important role in encouraging (or discouraging) help-seeking behaviours.

According to one study, parental perceptions about mental health and a lack of parental support are key factors affecting health-seeking behaviours among young people in Abu Dhabi. For young people to be able to access treatment – whether or not for the first time – it’s important to challenge misconceptions about mental health among parents and encourage support.

What Is Family Therapy and How Does It Work?

Family therapy is, most basically, therapy for the family unit and its individual members. Family therapy can be a stand-alone module or part of wider programs, including substance abuse recovery programs and child and adolescent mental health programs. Here, we’ll focus on family therapy as part of a recovery program for young people.

Family therapy, interventions, and other treatment options can support families in addressing the behaviors, dynamics, and conflicts that may be contributing to or sustaining a young person’s mental health problems. They can also address the structures and hierarchies within the family system, supporting members to build a stable and supportive base that nurtures mental health and well-being.

Many parents are unaware of behaviours and habits that may be harming a young person’s mental health or recovery. That’s why trained therapists are so important. They can work with family members to identify problematic or unhelpful behaviours and learn skills and strategies to find other solutions.

What Are the Aims of Family Therapy?

Family therapy can have several different aims. These include:

• Providing Care and Support – Young people who have been in mental health treatment require care and support to prevent them from falling back into harmful patterns during difficult times. Family therapy can help parents understand how best to support their child and how to create a healthy, caring home environment.
• Responses to Conflict – Sometimes young people can act angrily towards family members, especially if they are recovering from a conduct or personality disorder. Family therapists can teach family members how to respond to conflict without harsh punishments that may damage a young person’s self-esteem, while still setting healthy boundaries.
• Crisis Plans – Even when a young person is making a strong recovery, mental health situations can escalate. Crisis plans make important preparations in advance, helping young people stay safe without parents and other family members making decisions under pressure.
• Setting an Example – The way that parents and other family members interact can have a big impact on a young person. Young people may observe, copy, adapt, or otherwise be affected by their behaviors. Creating a positive home environment – with a positive and healthy culture around food – is an important part of maintaining mental well-being in the family.

What Are Some Different Types of Family Therapy?

Mental health experts and treatment providers may use several types of family therapy to support a young person’s recovery. This might involve:

• Psychoeducation
• Behavioural interventions
• Family systems therapy

Since every young person and family is different, it’s important for each case to be assessed individually to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment approaches. Some families may take part in only one modality, while others may benefit from several.

Is Family Therapy Effective?

Research has established that involving family members or family elements in an adolescent’s mental health treatment program supports the recovery process. Studies have shown that family systems therapy is an effective intervention for a range of mental health disorders, including eating disorders and anxiety disorders.

This means that family therapy should not be overlooked or underestimated, whether in Dubai or other places in the world. It can be a key part of a young person’s recovery and the foundation of a resilient future.

The Wave Clinic: Specialists in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The Wave Clinic sets the global standard for child and adolescent mental health support. Our residential programs combine exceptional clinical care with education, enriching experiences, and social responsibility, laying the foundations for a bright and fulfilling future.

From our treatment spaces in Malaysia, we draw on invaluable expertise to deliver a diverse range of evidence-based modules that support lasting recovery. We prioritise the involvement of the family in treatment, appreciating the invaluable role they play in young people’s well-being.

Our outpatient treatment centre provides additional support for young people who face challenges navigating daily life. We offer a range of options, including intensive outpatient programs and intensive family therapy programs with luxurious accommodation for family members.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our programs, get in touch today. We’re here to make a difference.