Abstract

CAVALHIERI, Klaus E.; SILVA, Isabela Machado da; BARRETO, Monica  and  CREPALDI, Maria Aparecida. Secrecy and its influence on family dynamics: contributions of the systems theory. Pensando fam. [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.2, pp. 134-148. ISSN 1679-494X.

This case study aimed to illustrate and to comprehend the dynamics of a social vulnerable family, considering their family secrets. Their family therapy process was related and discussed. A woman, her two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren participated in family therapy sessions conducted in a Brazilian university clinic. Secrets aimed to protect other family members were prominent, as also the learning, by the children, of communicative process characterized by concealments. Their family secrets brought as repercussions: symptomatic behaviors comprehended as a mechanism to cope with the anxiety caused by the secrets, and relationship insecurity. The secrets kept by this family, which lived in a social vulnerability situation, acted as additional risk factors to the difficulties already faced by them. The secrets damaged and hided their family resources, preventing their mutual support.

Keywords : Family secrets; Family therapy; Family relations; Grandparents; Social issues.

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