HomeAbstract of 7th-icrpconfDaughters of the Decree: Romanian Women’s Lived Experiences of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Following Childhood Emotional Abuse/Neglect

Daughters of the Decree: Romanian Women’s Lived Experiences of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Following Childhood Emotional Abuse/Neglect

  • Jun 3, 2026
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Abstract Book of the 7th International Conference on Research in Psychology

Year: 2026

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Daughters of the Decree: Romanian Women’s Lived Experiences of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Following Childhood Emotional Abuse/Neglect

Claudia Issur, Dr Catherine Lewis, Dr Edward Ong

ABSTRACT:

This study explores how Romanian women experienced psychodynamic psychotherapy following histories of childhood emotional abuse (CEA) and/or emotional neglect (CEN), with attention to cultural, intergenerational, and relational meaning-making. The research is situated within the socio-political legacy of Decree 770 (1966–1989), which banned abortion and reinforced patriarchal control in Romania, leaving lasting emotional and relational effects. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) within a critical realist framework, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Romanian women (aged 37–56) who had completed at least 16 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Interviews were conducted in Romanian, transcribed, translated into English, and analysed idiographically before identifying patterns across cases. Participants described therapy as a reparative relational experience that enabled emotional safety, voice, and self-reflection. Through the therapeutic process, they began to challenge internalised ideals of silence, reduce shame, and relate to themselves with increased compassion. Some participants also linked therapeutic change to broader intergenerational healing, particularly in parenting, professional identity, and advocacy. These findings highlight the clinical value of culturally attuned psychodynamic psychotherapy for women recovering from developmental trauma in post-totalitarian contexts. The study contributes to a growing understanding of identity reconstruction, relational healing, and the importance of integrating cultural and historical context in psychotherapy research and practice.

Keywords: Abuse; Culture; Identity; Psychotherapy; Gender