Study goals
This study critically examines Family Constellations' application in Family Law, assessing its effectiveness as an alternative dispute resolution method and the institutional risks posed by its pseudoscientific foundations and lack of regulation.
Relevance / originality
Bridges a critical gap in legal-therapeutic studies by analyzing an unregulated practice's risks in family courts. Offers unprecedented comparative analysis (Germany-Brazil) of institutional impacts from pseudoscientific methods in sensitive legal contexts.
Methodology / approach
Mixed-methods design combining legal case analysis, expert interviews (N=12), and systematic comparison of German/Brazilian court practices. Triangulated data from judicial records, psychological reports, and mediation outcomes (2015-2023).
Main results
Family Constellations showed temporary conflict reduction (28% of cases), but caused psychological harm in 19% of participants, particularly in domestic violence situations. German courts demonstrated stricter protocols than Brazilian counterparts, reducing adverse outcomes by 63%.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
Develops an interdisciplinary evaluation matrix for pseudoscientific practices in legal systems, combining therapeutic efficacy metrics with jurimetric analysis. Introduces protocol for risk-assessment in alternative dispute resolution.
Social / management contributions
Provides actionable guidelines for courts handling alternative therapies, reducing victimization risks in family mediation. Supports policymaking for ethical ADR protocols and practitioner training standards in vulnerable cases.