Deception and Fear in Politically Oppressive Contexts: Its Trickle-Down Effect on Families

The mystified reality, restricted options, and inherent risks of living in countries under a repressive political regime trigger survival tactics that reduce individual's reliance on social support, as well as semantic and cognitive restrictions and alternative codes, and silences that translate into symptoms. While this is the case for the average citizen, it is even more pronounced in individuals and families directly touched by the repressive apparatus. These processes are discussed and two clinical examples are provided to illustrate them. Copyright 2005 by The Policy Studies Organization..