Family Loyalty Conflict in an Adolescent (A systematic Clinical case Study of a Dysfunctional Family)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a disturbed interaction pattern—namely, family loyalty conflict—in adolescents and the emergence of mal-adaptive behaviors. Using a clinical approach that focuses on an in-depth study of the individual case, and employing a range of tools including; clinical interviews, clinical observation, family mapping, and a family Apperception test, the study focused on an adolescent living in a dysfunctional family and suffering from behavioral disorders. The findings revealed that:
• The adolescent experiences a clear loyalty conflict, sometimes towards the mother and sometimes towards the father. This conflict manifests as a persistent feeling of guilt and emotional confusion when siding with one parent over the other.
• The family loyalty conflict is reflected in the adolescent's behavior, manifesting as disturbed behaviors such as lying, stealing, and aggression.