From Vulnerability to Strength: Family Support as a Protective Factor against Mental Health Risks in Adulthood

Abstract Family support is one of the most powerful influences on adult mental health. Although the family’s role in childhood development has been widely studied, its continuing impact during adulthood is equally significant. This narrative review compiles evidence from twenty empirical and theoretical studies published between 2015 and 2025 to understand how family support functions as a protective factor against stress, anxiety, and depression, and how lack of support can act as a risk factor. Four theoretical models—Family Systems Theory8, Attachment Theory10,11, the Stress-Buffering Model2, and Resilience Theory15-provide the conceptual base. Results show that emotional and instrumental family support consistently predicts higher resilience and life satisfaction, whereas conflict, neglect, and authoritarian control increase vulnerability. The findings highlight the crucial role of families in shaping adult mental health and underline the need for culturally sensitive family-centered interventions. Keywords: family support, parenting styles, resilience, life satisfaction, adult mental health, protective factors