The impact of winning and losing on family interactions: A biological approach to family therapy

Abstract

Objective: To examine the connection between winning and losing and family functioning. We do this by hypothesizing a link between successful outcomes in individual competition and in functional family interaction. This enables us to show how therapeutic interventions can be directed toward the attachment system, by lowering anxiety and fostering mutual trust, and toward the social rank system, by promoting success and feelings of empowerment. Method: A search of online databases was conducted with key search terms related to winning and losing, and their effects on attachment patterns and family interactions. Results: Winning in agonistic encounters has been associated with lowered dysphoria, anxiety, and hostility. These affective states trigger positive patterns of family interaction through their effect on the social rank and attachment systems. Conclusion: Continued success promotes adaptive cycles of interaction, whereas inability to accept loss has the reverse effect. Early humans, who were more successful in competition, were better able to promote the survival and well-being of other family members, which would have accelerated our phylogenetic adaptation.