Resumen

ESPINOLA, Isabel Stange; CAMBRANIS, Aída Ortega; SALAZAR, Alicia Moreno  y  ESTEVES, Citlalli Gamboa. Approach to the concept of couple. Psicol. Am. Lat. [online]. 2017, n.29, pp. 7-22. ISSN 1870-350X.

The concept of a couple, due to its complexity, needs to be constantly reviewed considering that it is influenced by social, historical and cultural characteristics. Some myths and stereotypes about couple's choice, which are gradually assimilated through the process of socialization, are shown. In addition, different classifications about the couple's cycle are identified, which allows to conclude that there is no an unique criterion to determine it, and that each cycle could be considered acceptable depending on the researcher's perspective. Also, seven phases of formation of the couple are proposed, pointing out the most significant aspects. Finally, the similarities and differences between the homosexual and heterosexual couples are reviewed, promoting the identification of general aspects as well as the specific characteristics of the couple we are working on within the psychotherapeutic work.

Palabras clave : Couple; myths; couple cycles; characteristics; homosexual couples; heterosexual couples.

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