Psychodynamisms of children and parents in cases of family difficulties
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/2236-6407.2026.v17.53433Keywords:
psychoanalysis, family, child, personalityAbstract
Childhood symptomatology is complex and often assessed without considering the family context. This study aimed to understand the psychodynamics of children and their parents in the presence of difficulties in family relationships. Six case studies were conducted from a qualitative perspective and analyzed using a psychoanalytic approach. The participating families sought psychological care at a public university; five of them were single-parent families and one was a nuclear family. The assessment process included five stages: anamnesis interview, a play session, a family session, and feedback. Caregivers reported difficulties in recognizing the children's anxieties, often describing them as "having tantrums," "difficult," disobedient, and insecure. During play, the children showed limited creativity, a strong attachment to concrete representations, and a preference for structured play. Families provided limited support for the children’s emotional and affective development and were experiencing turbulent periods and processes of mourning. Parental difficulties in offering a nurturing environment were closely linked to the children’s psychological functioning and emotional development impairments.
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Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Grant numbers 2017/11816-2













