Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a narrative review on the perpetrator figure

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Published: Dec 30, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17060/ijodaep.2022.n2.v1.2446
Keywords:
child perpetrator figure profile Munchausen syndrome by proxy

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Elisabete Lopes
Doutoranda em Estudos da Criança, CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL
Zélia Caçador Anastácio
CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL

Abstract

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a type of child abuse, of a rare and unusual nature, which is extremely dangerous for the child. It is also designated as a mental disorder, so it is the perpetrator who receives the diagnosis. The perpetrator figure is defined as narcissistic, hysterical and manipulative, exhibiting pathological lying, which is in line with other personality disorders. Although this is his/her reality at heart, his/her behavior is revealing of too much care and protection towards the child in the presence of others. It s diagnosis is difficult to achieve due to the inherent characteristics of the disorder, to the characterization of the perpetrator’s profile, but also due to the lack of perception by the health professional. This study aims to characterize the perpetrator and his/her behavior. The methodology used includes a narrative literature review and the analysis of some case studies that reveal the predictor behavior. The clear, objective and judicious definition is expected to arouse the curiosity and interest of several professionals in order to boost research, as the literature is not unanimous about the constructs governing this pathological condition. Finally, it is expected to contribute to health care professionals developing skills to timely diagnose this behavior and remain alert to the perpetrator’s friendly manipulative behaviors, without harming the child victim. 

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How to Cite
Lopes, E., & Caçador Anastácio, Z. (2022). Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a narrative review on the perpetrator figure. International Journal of Developmental and Educational Psychology. Revista INFAD De Psicología., 1(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.17060/ijodaep.2022.n2.v1.2446
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Vol. 1 No. 2 (2022): ABOUT DEVELOPMENT AND LIFE
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Articles
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Author Biographies

Elisabete Lopes, Doutoranda em Estudos da Criança, CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL

Doutoranda em Estudos da Criança, CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL

Zélia Caçador Anastácio, CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL

CIEC, Instituto de Educação, Universidade do Minho, Braga, PORTUGAL

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