'No contact': Why family estrangement is on the rise for young people

"No Contact": Why Family Estrangement Is Rising Among Young People

More young adults are choosing to distance themselves from toxic family relationships to maintain emotional peace. This growing phenomenon, known as going “no contact,” reflects a shift toward prioritizing mental well-being over traditional family bonds.

The Social Influence Behind the Trend

Social media and opinion pieces have amplified awareness of family estrangement. Many young people now share their personal stories of separation online, adding visibility to what was once a private or stigmatized experience.

“Family members become strangers to one another like intimacy reversed,” said The New Yorker.

Although family estrangement remains somewhat taboo, advocates are working to normalize it. They argue that reducing stigma will help more people exit harmful family dynamics without guilt or shame.

Expert Views and Research

While there is limited formal data on the subject, psychologists observe growing anecdotal evidence of young adults cutting ties with parents or relatives. Others suggest that the rise may be due to greater openness, not necessarily more estrangement events.

“The cliché 'hiding in plain sight' is really appropriate here,” said family sociologist Karl Pillemer.

In his 2019 survey, Pillemer found that nearly 27% of Americans were estranged from at least one family member. Another study revealed that estrangement often begins in early adulthood, most commonly during one’s twenties.

Normalization of Emotional Boundaries

Advocates for the estranged emphasize that setting emotional boundaries should be viewed not as abandonment but as a step toward psychological safety and personal growth.

Changing Cultural Perception

As conversations about mental health and self-care evolve, the idea of “no contact” is gradually moving from secrecy to mainstream discussion, signaling a cultural shift in how society interprets family loyalty and self-preservation.

Author’s Summary: Growing awareness of emotional health has driven more young adults to distance themselves from toxic relatives, reframing family estrangement as a legitimate act of self-preservation.

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The Week The Week — 2025-11-06

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