A dysfunctional family is a family in which members have unresolved conflicts, express emotions in an unhealthy way or struggle to maintain healthy relationships. This can lead to tension and conflict within the family unit, causing stress and unhappiness for everyone involved. Different families may experience different types of dysfunction, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, or financial difficulties. The key characteristic of a dysfunctional family is that it struggles to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts in a healthy way, and provide emotional support for one another.