The online event titled “Family Is Everything: Effects of Family Dynamics on Life,” organized by the Üsküdar University Career Center Department, was held with intense participation. Author, Family Counselor, Exp. Psychologist Hande Akın, who was a guest at the event, discussed the psychological and social effects of family structure on an individual's life. Akın pointed out that the family is the most fundamental structure where an individual's socialization begins, and stated that family relationships shape an individual's identity.
The event was moderated by Gülçin Eren, Career Center Manager of the Career Center Department.
Exp. Psychologist Hande Akın, sharing examples from her own education and career journey, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and stated that many elements, from an individual's decision-making processes to behavioral patterns, are shaped by family dynamics. Akın highlighted the decisive role of family structure in an individual's life.
“Family is the most fundamental structure where an individual's socialization begins”
In her speech, Akın comprehensively addressed the concept of family, stating that family is not merely composed of biological ties.
Exp. Psychologist Hande Akın said; “The family is the most fundamental structure where an individual's socialization process begins. Values learned within the family directly shape an individual's behavior in society. Often, family dynamics lie at the root of societal problems.”
“Unresolved issues can be passed down through generations”
The issue of intergenerational transfer was also among the important topics at the event. Akın stated that past and unresolved traumas can be passed down to subsequent generations, and that the root of some emotional problems experienced by individuals can be sought in family history.
Exp. Psychologist Hande Akın said; “Unresolved issues can be passed down through generations. Individuals excluded from the family system or unspoken events can affect subsequent generations. However, it is possible to break this cycle with awareness and proper support.”
“Family relationships shape an individual's identity”
Akın stated that parent-child relationships directly affect children's relationships in later life, and that children can sometimes take on roles that meet their parents' emotional needs. She pointed out that this situation can lead to unhealthy relationship patterns in adulthood.
Furthermore, Akın emphasized that deficiencies in love, attention, and trust experienced during childhood can cause feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy in individuals, and touched upon the importance of an individual understanding their own inner world.
Event concluded with an awareness exercise
Exp. Psychologist Hande Akın, who then answered participants' questions, stated that the therapy process is important for an individual to get to know themselves and gain the ability to cope with their emotions.
The event concluded after a short awareness exercise for the participants and thank-you speeches.