close_game
close_game

Parental invalidation: 7 ways it can affect us

By, Delhi
Jan 23, 2024 10:06 AM IST

From self-doubt to anxiety and depression, here are a few ways parental invalidation can affect us.

When we are brought up in dysfunctional homes under the supervision of emotionally immature parents, we do not receive the love, care and affection that we deserved as a child. This invalidation can further transcend into self-doubt as we grow up. Parental invalidation has a deep impact on our lives and affects the way we behave and think in our adult relationships as well. "Parental invalidation, where our emotions and experiences are dismissed or belittled, can have a deep impact on us, especially when dealing with C-PTSD. Recognising this can be a pivotal part of the healing process," wrote Therapist Linda Meredith.

Parental invalidation: 7 ways it can affect us(Unsplash)
Parental invalidation: 7 ways it can affect us(Unsplash)

ALSO READ: Ways by which parents can unintentionally harm their children while growing up

We're now on WhatsApp. Click to join

Low self-esteem: When a child is constantly avoided and invalidated by the caregivers, they start to believe that their worth is very less. This further leads to having low self-esteem as they grow up.

Difficulty expressing emotions: They have a difficult time expressing their emotions and communicating their feelings with clarity. They also start to believe that their emotions are not worthy of sharing with others and should be suppressed instead.

Anxiety and depression: When the child's emotions are not validated and addressed. It can lead to long-term emotional distress, further transcending to anxiety and depression in the later years of life.

Self-doubt: They also start to doubt themselves – their emotions, abilities and needs. They try to suppress their needs, wants and expectations.

Relationship difficulties: these complications further lead to having difficulties in their adult relationships as well.

Perfectionism: Children who have been invalidated by their parents in childhood tend to develop a tendency towards perfectionism as they think that to be the only way to gain validation.

Difficulty trusting others: They have a difficult time trusting others, and hence, face challenges in developing close relationships as they grow up. This can further stop them from having quality relationships in their adulthood.

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
See More
Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, February 09, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On