In this next episode on estrangement and shunning, Fern shares how her father's silent treatment and a longstanding cutoff with her brother affected and defined her. This leads into a discussion on making the important distinction between shunning and a positive cutoff. We then explore what research has discovered about the effects of shunning on the brain, specifically how similarly the brain processes physical and psychological pain. In addition, we identify how shunning can stamp an individual's emotional state, his or her daily interactions with others, and in turn, define an individual's self-image, social relationships, and a sense of belonging. Ali-John concludes the discussion by offering his thoughts on how individuals can get stuck in these perceptions, and he offers advice on how to get unstuck.

+To buy Fern's book on Sibl ...