A Sociological Study of the Relationship Between Depression and Family Conflict (Western Province, Kaluthara District, Horana Divisional Secretariat)

Abstract

This article reviews the sociological factors leading to family conflicts. Research problem of the study was: How do effects of depression lead to conflicts in family? The main objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between family conflicts and depression. The family is the basic unit of any society, however, currently many changes are identified in family in relation to family background. Additionally, if one of the family members suffers from depression, the whole family would suffer a great setback and stressful environment. According to the WHO (2006), almost 400,000 Sri Lankans experience serious mental disorders due to family conflicts. This study used a purposive sampling method based on the severity of problems and nature of the needs. The primary and the secondary method used in the research to collect information were in-depth interviews carried out via case studies. Accordingly, 12 case studies were used in this study. These case studies were taken from selected unique people, who are experiencing family conflicts and suffering from depression. This study was guided by thematic analysis and it exposes that people, regardless of gender or age, are more likely to be depressed, which has resulted in economic, social and psychological stress. This pressure has accelerated conflict in family. Accordingly, a relationship between depression and family conflict is identified, thus, research highlights the importance of the intervention of a social worker to minimize these conflicts in oppressive situations.