Family conflicts approached in integrative community therapy

Abstract

The present study aimed at developing a survey regarding family conflicts, identifying the main related reasons and coping strategies. It consists of a documental study, developed in the municipality of João Pessoa, which used the database of records from community therapy groups that met during the period between July 2008 and December 2009. Analysis included 775 data organization charts, of which 110 presented the theme. Data were submitted to simple statistical treatment and interpreted in light of the pertinent literature. The study revealed the presence of conflict between spouses (48%), parents/children (37%), siblings (8%) and grandparents/grandchildren (7%), motivated by the underappreciation of the woman’s role, work overload, alcoholism, separation, jealousy, betrayal, intergenerational problems, violence and drug addiction. The coping strategies that emerged were: self-control, self-knowledge, community support, participation in groups, dialogue and spirituality. The therapy was considered to be a space for alleviation of pain and relief of their suffering, strengthening bonds and promoting the empowerment of the families.

Descriptors: Therapy; Family; Psychiatric Nursing.