Why “No Contact” Family Estrangement Is On the Rise

KQED's Forum

Across social media, people are posting about their experiences ending contact with family members, which experts say is a growing trend. Studies have found that about a quarter of adults in America are estranged from a relative with parent-child estrangements as the most common. Becoming estranged from family can provide an escape from abuse or problematic relationships and allow space for healing. But some therapists are concerned the no-contact-family trend is doing more harm than good. We’ll talk about what drives families apart and when and how to heal broken relationships.

Guests:

Kui Mwai, freelance writer. She recently published an article in Vogue titled, “Why So Many People (Myself Included) Are Experiencing Family Estrangement."

Josh Coleman, psychologist; author, “Rules for Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict”

Violetta Fernandez, licensed mental health therapist and parental estrangement coach