UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, UK

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON FAMILIES AND RELATIONSHIPS

CRFR INFORMAL SEMINAR

The deleterious effects of psychological and emotional abuse upon individuals are increasingly acknowledged by professionals and by the wider community. Yet, there has been little research on such forms of abuse in the whole family, even though those who abuse commonly use similar controlling practices within all family relationships.

This seminar will introduce findings from research on the experience and effect of psychological and emotional abuse upon the whole family, during and in the wake of such abuse. Four areas will be considered: family functioning, family relationships, the sense of family, and the capacity for nonabusive family members to talk together about their abuse. The implications of the research for professionals working with families who have experienced psychological and emotional abuse will be discussed.