My mother (father)´s boyfriend (girlfriend) and I: building a unique relationship

• Grant number: 12/12723-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Human Development Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Laura Villares de Freitas
• Grantee: Iana Ferreira Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The research proposed in this project inserts within the scope of the most recent research on family relationships and aims to contribute to the research of the new theme which has been emerging in this area. Focuses on a form of bond that has been established quite often with increased separations and divorces, since they have become a natural alternative for relations that are unsatisfactory, and in the face of freedom gained by men and women in the restructuring of their family groups. In the network of cohabitation that is established in the interior of the new families, includes more and more often, the figure of mother's boyfriend or father's girlfriend. Although apparently, this relationship concerns only the adult couple, as time passes and the bond becomes strong, the children of one or both partners begin to have participation, interfering or affecting significantly the same. From there, arise many challenges, originated in particular, the character absolutely new that a relationship has in our society. The present study aims to investigate the characteristics and main difficulties experienced in this type of relationship and raise attitudes and factors that are being experienced as positive ways to face new challenges. It is understood that the knowledge on this topic is a significant contribution to the understanding of current issues that can bring benefits to the work of psychologists.(AU)