Dieťa v pasci lojality. Psychologická dynamika vzťahov a možnosti odbornej pomoci v sociálnej praxi

This paper examines the phenomenon of loyalty conflict in children in the context of highly conflictual
parental separations and divorces. The aim of this text is to analyze the socio-psychological dynamics of
the family system in which a child is subjected to systematic pressure to choose between both parental
figures. Attention is given to the mechanism of triangulation, processes of unconscious emotional
manipulation, the formation of pathological family coalitions, and the psychosomatic consequences of
long-term stress resulting from loyalty conflict. The paper integrates findings from social psychology, developmental psychology, child psychology, and school psychology. Particular attention is paid to the
role of mediation as a tool for de-escalating family conflict and protecting the child’s emotional safety.
The paper offers an overview of professional support options, focusing on psychological methods and
social work tools such as the mirroring technique, the concept of “permission to love,” and the principle of parallel parenting. The paper includes three anonymized case studies illustrating the diversity of the clinical picture of loyalty conflict. An interdisciplinary approach is presented as a key prerequisite for effective intervention, while the paper also reflects on the spiritual and value-based dimension of the family as the basic unit of society.
Keywords: loyalty conflict; triangulation; family system; mediation; social work; child psychology;
developmental psychology; school psychology; permission to love; parallel parenting; emotional security