Systemic Family Therapy Approach: Strategies for Reducing Behavioral Disorders in Children of Separated Parents

Abstract

The phenomenon of separation has been analyzed as a sociocultural transformation that impacts the traditional concept of family and exposes children to new relational scenarios, making it important to seek alternatives based on the intervention of children's behavioral disorders. The objective of this work was to develop a systemic family psychotherapy plan to reduce behavioral disorders in children between 5 and 10 years old whose parents are separated. The study was based on a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, with a descriptive scope and a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) that was combined with projective tools, clinical interviews and behavioral assessment scales, allowing us to understand how conflict and disorganization of the family system directly impact children's behavior. The findings showed that 85% of the children evaluated with separated parents exhibited problematic behaviors such as aggression, withdrawal, or academic difficulties. Thus, many of the problematic behaviors do not arise from individual "flaws" of the child, but rather reflect pain, confusion, and the need for balance in a changing family environment. The main contribution of the research lies in the proposed psychotherapeutic plan, which includes both sessions with the children and psychoeducational spaces for the parents, aimed at rebuilding cooperation and improving family communication. The proposal was evaluated by specialists who shared their opinions.