FORMATION OF TRUST IN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS: DYNAMICS IN PARENT-CHILD AND SPOUSAL RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

Trust constitutes a cornerstone within the family structure and holds critical importance in the construction of robust familial relationships. It profoundly influences both the modes of communication between parents and children and the quality of spousal relations, thereby shaping intra-family dynamics. The development of trust encourages positive interactions among family members while enhancing the ability to cope with stressful situations. Consequently, examining the factors contributing to the formation and maintenance of trust emerges as a crucial concern for professionals in the field of family counseling. Among the elements affecting the development of trust within the family are open communication, respect, support, loyalty, and mutual understanding. Each of these factors manifests differently in parent-child relationships and spousal interactions. The trust-based relationship established between parents and children plays an extraordinary role in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. Feeling secure while exploring the world is essential for healthy identity development in children. Similarly, the presence of trust between spouses solidifies the foundations of the relationship and facilitates the finding of constructive solutions in conflict situations.
While emphasizing the importance of trust, it is also vital to consider the problems caused by its erosion. A deficit of trust leads to communication breakdowns, an increase in misunderstandings, and consequently, distancing among individuals. Therefore, conscious efforts should be made to restore and preserve trust. Identifying supportive methods and strategies for fostering trust is of paramount importance for maintaining healthy family relations. Given this context, a thorough examination of how trust is formed within family relations, and which factors positively or negatively influence this process, is required. In the practice of family counseling, aimed at enhancing relational quality, the importance of interventions based on the foundations of trust is growing. Hence, understanding the impact of trust on family dynamics serves as a guide in both research and practice fields, establishing an essential framework for advancements in family counseling.