Beyond crisis prevention, family functioning and resilience help individuals — and the family as a whole — withstand and recover from life’s adversities. Research increasingly points to “family resilience” as a key factor in mental health, life satisfaction, and adaptive functioning. SpringerLink+2ScienceDirect+2
For example, among pregnant women, stronger family resilience (i.e., a family’s ability to adapt, communicate, and support during changes) was found to positively predict psychological well‑being and life satisfaction. SpringerLink
Moreover, a recent study with adolescents who were depressed found that better family communication — which enhances social support and psychological resilience — translated into greater family resilience. SpringerLink
In contexts of chronic illness, such as patients undergoing hemodialysis, research indicates that “family resilience” and “social support” are longitudinally linked with better psychological resilience and mental health outcomes. SpringerLink+1
When family members communicate effectively, solve problems together, support each other emotionally and practically, and foster a sense of belonging and self-worth — they build a family environment that buffers stress, reduces isolation, and promotes adaptive coping.