Abstract

DE ANTONI, CLARISA; MARTINS-TEODORO, MAYCOLN LEONI  and  KOLLER, SILVIA HELENA. Cohesion and Hierarchy in Physically Abusive Families. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2009, vol.8, n.2, pp.399-412. ISSN 1657-9267.

This paper investigates cohesion (emotional bonding) and hierarchy (power structure) in families with abuse against their children. Twenty low-income families participated. Father, mother and child's perspective of family relations (cohesion and hierarchy) were evaluated by the Family System Test (FAST). The relationship between father-child, mother-child, couple, and among siblings were evaluated at typical and conflictive situations. Results show a significance regarding to cohesion in typical and conflictive situation for father- child and mother- child dyads in all perspectives (by father, mother, and child). There is no significant differences regarding to hierarchy. These results suggest that the families see the intrafamilial violence as a constant, since they cannot differentiate between both situations.

Keywords : Family; Physical Abuse; Hierarchy; Cohesion; Family Violence - Case Studies; Domestic Relations.

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