Child-to-Parent Resist-Refuse Dynamics. Conceptual history and proposal of denomination in Spanish

Abstract

Resist-refuse dynamics or parent-child contact problems constitute a complex dysfunctional relational pattern, which is made visible through the child’s attitudes and behaviors of refusing to maintain an affective relationship with one of the parents, usually showing a strong alliance with the other. These problems and dynamics are most seen during family conflicts, especially if these conflicts are litigated, in which case they have important implications, both for clinical psychology and forensic psychology. The present work reviews the historical evolution of the explanatory models, providing for Spanish-speaking areas a useful term and definition for the analysis, understanding, intervention, and assessment of these kinds of family dynamics.

Keywords

• resist-refuse dynamics
• parent-child contact problems
• dysfunctional family dynamics
• family conflict
• justified rejection
• unjustified rejection
• child abuse
• parental alienation
• parental interference
• trauma parental gatekeeping