In this episode of Family Troubles, I sit down with Kristina Scharp, an associate professor at Rutgers University and director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab. Kristina is one of the leading researchers on family estrangement, and we get into what really drives family distance and how people cope with it.

We talk about how estrangement and alienation are often misunderstood, and how both are part of a bigger picture of family distancing. We also explore how perception shapes conflict, why expectations around family relationships are changing, and what actually helps create the possibility for repair.

Listen for more on:
• How estrangement, alienation, and marginalization are all forms of family distancing
• Why arguing about what really happened often makes conflict worse
• Why choosing connection over being right can shift the relationship
• How taking responsibility can lower defensiveness and rebuild trust
• Why estrangement often includes both relief and grief at the same time
• How changing cultural values are reshaping family relationships

Give this episode a listen, and if it resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review to help more families find support.

Guest Links:
Website: https://sci.rutgers.edu/scharp-kristina
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristina-scharp-80a7667

Dr. Joshua Coleman’s Links:
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-olRqS_o2xJlkpxWEEErg