Marital conflicts often have a rippling effect. Marital problems not only affect the two spouses psychologically, but can have negative effects on children, other family members and friends. Knowing what kind of psychological effects can occur can help you prevent them from happening. Conflicts can be expressed in fighting and yelling, but also can be expressed by silence and lack of communication.
Social Dysfunction
As fights occur and problems are not solved, spouses exhibit social dysfunction behaviors. Social dysfunction can begin by simply being awkward around other people. The spouse may become anxious and may develop depression. The spouse may have trouble communicating with others. These conflicts can result in an inability to be around family and friends comfortably.
Psychological Disorders
Marital conflicts occur when couples disagree constantly without resolving the problems. Negative interactions between two spouses increase, which often leads to hostility between the two. This hostility leads to a decline in mental health, with spouses becoming frustrated, feeling helpless or losing self-confidence. Marital conflict may lead to social psychological disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, insomnia, or eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Children's Misbehavior
One of the biggest results of marital conflict is the behavioral change in children. When children become aware of the conflict, they may become angry and hostile towards others. This may lead to emotional distress or psychological disorders that affect their social interactions later in life. The Sunway Academic Journal reports that a one-year study found that children who are in the presence of parents who disagree in angry ways display hostile and indifferent behaviors towards family and friends.
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