Nearly two in five Americans have cut ties with friends or family in the past year, reflecting a growing trend of avoiding difficult relationships, according to a recent Talkspace survey.
In a revealing survey conducted by Talker Research for the therapy platform Talkspace, nearly two in five Americans—38%—reported going “no contact” with a friend or family member within the past year. This trend underscores a shift in how individuals are managing challenging relationships, with many opting to sever ties rather than confront issues directly.
Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer at Talkspace, commented on the findings, stating, “These results suggest that avoiding relationship challenges is becoming more common. But that approach can come with its own risks, making it harder to sustain meaningful connections over time and leading to more loneliness.”
The survey highlights a generational divide in attitudes toward relationship management. Younger Americans are significantly more likely to cut off contact compared to older generations. Among the respondents, 60% of Gen Z indicated they had gone “no contact,” followed by 50% of millennials, 38% of Gen X, and only 20% of baby boomers.
John Puls, a Florida-based psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University, has observed this trend in his practice. He noted that many young adults, particularly those from Gen Z, are increasingly choosing to distance themselves from their parents. “This generation appears to have a low tolerance for otherwise poor behavior from their parents,” Puls explained. “They are often conflict-avoidant, which prevents them from trying to meaningfully work through their issues with their parents.”
Puls also pointed out that parents often resist examining their roles in the conflicts, leading to a stalemate where neither party is willing to compromise or take responsibility for the issues at hand.
According to the survey, the primary reason cited for severing ties was feeling disrespected, with 36% of respondents indicating this as a key factor. Additionally, nearly 30% reported that the relationship negatively impacted their mental health or that the other person had a consistently negative demeanor.
The survey results suggest that these cutoffs are often enduring. Among those who reported going “no contact” in the past year, 59% stated they are still not in communication with the individual they distanced themselves from.
Furthermore, the findings indicate a broader trend of retreating from uncomfortable interactions. Approximately 73% of respondents admitted that their instinct during relationship problems is to distance themselves rather than engage in open communication to resolve the issue.
Other behaviors highlighted in the survey reinforce this trend. More than a third of respondents reported blocking a friend or family member on social media in the past year, while 30% indicated they had removed a loved one from a group chat.
While the study was sponsored by a therapy platform and has not undergone peer review, experts have previously noted that “cutoff culture” is becoming increasingly normalized. Some attribute this shift to media influences from prominent figures, such as Oprah Winfrey and the Beckhams, who have discussed family estrangement.
Many experts caution that the tactic of going “no contact” should be reserved for extreme situations. Puls emphasized that each case of severing ties is unique, and while it may be necessary in rare instances, it often leads to long-term regret and resentment. “I always recommend my patients try ongoing family therapy, compromise, and implementing boundaries,” he advised.
Nari Jeter, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Florida, echoed this sentiment. “Some people think that once you go no-contact, you’ll immediately feel peace. That’s usually not the case,” she said. Jeter, who was not involved in the research, described the process as often heart-wrenching and agonizing. However, she noted that the decision to go “no contact” does not have to be permanent. “No contact can become fertile ground for future reconciliation,” she added.
As this trend continues to evolve, it raises important questions about the nature of relationships and the ways individuals choose to navigate conflict in an increasingly complex social landscape. The findings from the Talkspace survey serve as a reminder of the importance of communication and the potential consequences of choosing to walk away from difficult relationships.
According to Fox News Digital, the implications of these choices extend beyond personal relationships, highlighting a societal shift in how conflicts are approached and resolved.