Being the black sheep of the family can be a blessing and a curse.
I have designed a study to examine the characteristics of people who self-identify as the black sheep of their family. This study will gather data to look at how black sheep are created and maintained in families and how people have managed that role in their lives.
Why study black sheep?
People who self-identify as the black sheep of their family tend to struggle with their self-esteem and self-concept throughout life. When you have a poor self-concept, it affects all aspects of your life such as intimate and social relationships, job performance, satisfaction, and achievement, and even a willingness to take risks and following your heart. This research is to better understand black sheep and to help them to get the most out of their lives by assisting them to limit the negative influences of their family, find their own tribe, and accept and love themselves.
Definition of a black sheep.
In the English language, black sheep is an idiom used to describe an odd or disreputable member of a group, especially within a family.
How do you know if you are the black sheep of your family?
You frequently feel misunderstood.
Your family members point out how you are different.
You are judged by your family.
Your lifestyle varies greatly from your other family members.
You may differ from your family members in educational attainment, professional success, religious or philosophical values, and/or political ideas and values.
You may also differ from your family in other ways such as substance use or other addictions, financial issues, criminal history, stability of relationships, conflicts with relatives, and joblessness. You may be the one that struggles with these things or you are the stable one. Either way, you are different.
