Family gatherings: a psychological necessity and a social bulwark against isolation

In light of the accelerating pace of modern life and the dominance of technology in our daily lives, direct human relationships are facing unprecedented challenges. In this context, social, family, and psychological experts have warned of the dangers of the decline in family gatherings, emphasizing that they are no longer a social luxury or a mere inherited custom that can be dispensed with, but have become an urgent necessity and an "inevitable" psychological and educational need to ensure the well-being of the individual and society.

Historical roots and social significance

Historically, the extended family in Arab and Islamic societies formed the bedrock of social structure. Regular gatherings were not merely casual occasions, but rather informal educational institutions where experiences were shared and conflicts resolved. Today, with the rise of individualism, experts believe that a return to these gatherings represents the first line of defense for promoting psychological stability, bridging the widening generational gap, and forging a collective memory that protects cultural identity from erosion.

Experts interviewed by Al-Youm newspaper unanimously agreed that family gatherings provide a form of psychological resilience for individuals. Family counselor Abdullah Boursis these meetings as a fundamental pillar of kinship ties, which are strongly encouraged in Islam. He emphasized that they transcend mere casual encounters, serving as a platform for deep acquaintance between in-laws and relatives, and a living embodiment of the values ​​of solidarity and mutual support during times of crisis, joy, and sorrow alike.

Transfer of expertise and application of technology

Borsis emphasized the pivotal role of these gatherings in transmitting the "legacy of experience" and wisdom from grandparents and parents to grandchildren, directly contributing to shaping the awareness of the younger generation and solidifying their identity and sense of belonging. He urged families to deal intelligently with the challenges of the times by creating incentives that ensure the continuity of these meetings and attract their children to them, while utilizing modern technology as a supporting tool to connect expatriates and those far from their family circles. He cautioned, however, against allowing technology to replace direct communication, which carries warmth and genuine emotions.

Adnan Al-Draiweesh

For his part, family and educational consultant Adnan Al-Driwish the extended family home to be a safe and secure "educational institution" where moral values ​​are instilled through role modeling and observing positive behaviors firsthand, rather than through dry, theoretical instruction. He emphasized that families who maintain regular meetings are better equipped to raise a psychologically balanced generation, imbued with the values ​​of giving and belonging, and protected against modern-day psychological ailments, most notably social isolation and depression.

The psychological and health effects of maintaining kinship ties

Al-Driweesh pointed out that the absence of these meetings creates an “emotional rift” and widens the gap between generations, which opens the door to misunderstanding and a decline in shared values, citing the noble prophetic tradition that links maintaining kinship ties with abundant sustenance and long-lasting impact, as a definitive indication of the material and moral blessings that these meetings leave in an individual’s life.

From a purely medical and psychological perspective, family physician Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamam that family gatherings are a "long-term investment in mental health." He pointed out that recent scientific studies have proven their effective role in reducing stress hormone levels (such as cortisol) and enhancing feelings of emotional security, as the individual is in a nurturing environment that accepts them in all their states, supports them in their successes, and comforts them after their failures.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamam

Dr. Al-Hamam explained that direct confrontation, smiles, and spontaneous conversations within the family environment are sufficient to melt the ice of accumulated disputes and resolve complex problems with high flexibility, describing the memories created by these meetings, including laughter and situations, as deep “psychological roots” that give children stability and resilience in facing life’s storms and the challenges of the future.