Facts About Failure To Launch Syndrome

By Cynthia Patterson


It is very frustrating and also heart-breaking for a parent when they have a child struggling to leave home and start living independently. This is a situation that could make a parent to wonder whether they made some mistake that is inhibiting growth of the child or if that child is just being lazy. Whereas both of those scenarios are possible, there are a number of factors that lead to failure to launch syndrome. The factor that leads to it determines the treatment mode.

Failure to launch is a term that is used in reference to people that are struggling with transition to adulthood. It is usually defined as the inability of that person to leave home and stop relying on parents or relatives, notwithstanding underlying issues. It usually affects young adults who will appear like they are stuck or they are not maturing as expected. It is common to find most young people finding rites of passage interesting and encouraging. This is not the case for all of them as it causes regressive behavior in them.

Most young adults are in need of extra support during the transition into adulthood. This could include some stint with parents at home. It does not however imply that all such individuals who live with their parents will fail to launch. It is something that is considered after long periods of dependency from the person without motivation to progress. Examples of symptoms of failure to launch syndrome are failure to take responsibility, low level of persistence and low tolerance for distress.

There are various causes of the syndrome as well as influencing factors. Parenting styles, family experience and the relationship between parents and children is a factor. Parents who are overprotective tend to raise children that will have some lack of autonomy. When a kid is not faced with age-appropriate challenges at different stages, they will miss out on opportunity to develop confidence.

Another possible cause is substance abuse. Entitlement, isolation and unhealthy family systems are factors that could possibly lead to the syndrome. When there is addiction, it could be difficult to notice failure to launch. People suffering from chemical addictions are likely to experience diminished emotional, cognitive and financial stability. Notwithstanding addiction type, anyone that suffers from addiction will live a life that is not manageable.

Give that there are different factors that interfere with successful launch, there will also be different treatment options. It is advisable to involve the family when it comes to setting require expectations, setting of short-term goals and creation of a long-term plan. All these should be sustainable. In the end, these help to bring the affected back on track. In many cases, the people affected will be better off living with other young adults without the same challenges.

The people that are suffering from the syndrome should be given clear responsibilities and need to face natural consequences if they are not able to live up to the responsibilities. It also helps to use organizational coaches to help those affected establish plans which are able to help them accomplish goals.

Individual therapy also comes very much in handy. It will help in addressing doubts about sense of effectiveness of the person. The therapy increases awareness of emotions as well as ability to effectively communicate emotions.




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