As violências intrafamiliares vivenciadas na infância e adolescência e as reverberações psicológicas do trauma na vida adulta: Sob a luz da Gestalt-Terapia.

Intrafamily violence experienced in childhood and adolescence and the psychological reverberations of trauma in adulthood: In the light of Gestalt-Therapy.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Intrafamily violence, characterized by actions that cause physical or psychological harm among family members, is a concerning global issue. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that up to 1 billion children and adolescents have been victims of physical, psychological, or sexual violence within this context. In Brazil, approximately 80% of cases of violence against this population occur in this environment, often perpetrated by their caregivers. Such traumatic experiences, occurring during developmental stages, can result in psychological repercussions that follow the individual throughout adulthood. This study aims to examine how the consequences of intrafamily violence affect adult life, with a focus on the reverberations of psychological trauma, and to evaluate how Gestalt Therapy may contribute to the understanding and care of these victims. The research is a bibliographic review, in which the following databases were consulted: PePSIC, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The studies analyzed identify different forms of intrafamily violence, such as psychological, physical, and sexual, that impact the emotional and cognitive development of victims, with lasting effects into adulthood. These traumatic experiences interfere with emotional, behavioral, social, sexual, and cognitive development, compromising well-being and the formation of personality. They also affect the construction of self-image, the development of emotional bonds, and the ability to self-regulate emotions, leading to difficulties such as low self-esteem, interpersonal conflicts, and potentially resulting in mental disorders, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociation. The analysis highlights that Gestalt Therapy, by fostering a supportive therapeutic relationship and emphasizing the present moment, helps individuals engage with their emotions, sensations, and thoughts. This approach allows for new perspectives and enhances awareness of their own experience, promoting self-integration and greater internal coherence. Therefore, it can be concluded that the traumatic consequences of intrafamily violence lead to various harms for children and adolescents, which may extend into adulthood. Psychological care through Gestalt Therapy proves beneficial in this context by facilitating a deeper understanding and openness to new perspectives regarding the traumatic experience. Furthermore, it is emphasized that to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this issue, it is essential for psychology researchers and Gestalt therapists to focus on this topic, expanding studies related to the matter.