Unconscious alliances and family psychic transmission: maternal experience in legal proceedings that impose child separation

Motherhood can be impacted by judicial decisions that impose mother-child separation by foster care and termination of parental rights. This study analyzed how unconscious alliances and family psychic transmission processes shape the experiences of mothers who undergo separation from their children through judicial processes of foster care or termination of parental rights. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews for data collection With five women subjected to judicial decisions, aged between 25 and 37. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, based on the Family and Couples Psychoanalysis framework. Analysis revealed maternal psychological suffering and pointed to a tendency within the justice system to individually blame women for family ruptures. This tendency is linked to the patriarchal legacy, unconscious alliances, and intergenerational psychic transmission. Policies that strengthen vulnerable family bonds and support children’s continued presence with their mothers are necessary.

Keywords:
motherhood; unconscious alliances; family psychic transmission; family destitution