Parentalidad, vínculo conyugal y psicopatología en la infancia y adolescencia

Résumé

This research sets out to relate child and adolescent psychopathology to the dysfunction in the two core components of family functioning: Parenthood and Marital Relationship. It is based on a relational point of view of child and adolescent psychopathology, and it highlights the importance of parent-child bonds. A theoretical analysis of several dimensions of marital and parental love is tacked. These components are considered necessary for the children to feel beloved, and to develop healthy personalities and personal identities. Besides, we study the influence of different child-rearing skills, some parental triangular relationships and certain marital aspects, on suffering of the children, which may appear as either internal symptoms, external symptoms, or social competence impairment. The research has been conducted in a Service that provides families with therapy; this facility is considered both a clinical and a social intervention context. The sample consisted of 68 children and their families seeking for psychological treatment. A number of tests were used to assess different dimensions related to family functioning. Results show the importance of some child-rearing practices on mental health of children, such as using affectional and satisfaction expressions, or enjoying them. Likewise, negative affection is considered an important risk factor. On the other hand, affectional expression, satisfaction, consensus and cohesion in marital relationship, are involved in children and adolescent psychopathology. Finally, parental triangular attitudes are related to psychological symptoms, as they are connected to difficulties in performing as parents.