Pavlin P. Petrov, Violeta R. Manolova and Stoyan R. Vezenkov
Center for applied neuroscience Vezenkov, BG-1582, Sofia, e-mail: info@vezenkov.com
For citation: Petrov P.P., Manolova V.R. and Vezenkov S.R. (2025) Hidden Family Dynamics in a Case Study of a Child with Screen Addiction, Hyperactivity, and Language Deficits. Nootism 1(1), 90-95, ISSN 3033-1765
*This paper was presented by Pavlin Petrov at the Second Science Conference "Screen Children" on November 23, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract
This study explores the impact of hidden family dynamics on the development of a child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), language deficits, and screen addiction. Through a case study approach, the research examines how unconscious and suppressed behavioral patterns within the parental relationship influence the child's cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
The study employs a mixed-method design, integrating qualitative assessments (structured interviews and behavioral observations) with quantitative psychophysiological measurements using biofeedback technology. All therapeutic interventions—including family therapy, individual counseling for both parents, and targeted interventions for the child—were conducted with the use of biofeedback to monitor and regulate physiological responses. The child’s therapy specifically excluded screen-based interventions, focusing instead on interactive, sensory, and behavioral techniques aimed at improving emotional regulation, attention, and social engagement. The findings reveal that unresolved parental conflicts, emotional suppression, and dysfunctional coping strategies contribute to heightened family anxiety, exacerbating the child's behavioral and developmental difficulties.
The therapeutic process led to partial improvements, including increased social engagement, improved emotional regulation, and greater parental awareness of their own behavioral patterns. However, persistent family tensions indicate the need for continued therapeutic work to achieve sustainable change. The study underscores the critical role of uncovering hidden family dynamics and utilizing biofeedback as an effective tool for fostering emotional awareness, enhancing self-regulation, and improving overall family interactions.
Keywords: family dynamics, ADHD, language deficits, screen addiction, biofeedback, emotional regulation, child development, parental conflict.
Introduction
A substantial body of evidence highlights the family environment as the primary and most crucial factor in a child's development, particularly in early childhood. The dynamics of parental relationships directly influence children's cognitive, emotional, and social development, shaping their perception of the world and their interactions with others (Lamb et al., 2013; Barkley, 2020). Research indicates that a stable and supportive family environment fosters adaptive functioning in children, whereas tense or conflictual relationships may lead to increased anxiety levels, difficulties with concentration, and emotional challenges (Ginsburg et al., 2007; Hauser-Cram et al., 2001; Reiss, 2023).
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged—an increase in screen addiction among children, significantly impacting their development. The integration of digital technologies into children's daily lives introduces multiple risks. Scientific studies indicate that early childhood screen exposure rapidly leads to screen dependency, which is associated with delayed language development, reduced social interaction skills, and heightened irritability (Huang et al., 2024; Wu et al., 2023). Additionally, many affected children exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficits (Wu et al., 2022; Abdoli et al., 2025).
It is essential to emphasize that screen addiction is a consequence of family dynamics and parental control, which directly shape children's behavioral habits. Parents often use screens as a tool to soothe their children, unaware of the long-term developmental consequences. As a result, critical processes such as attentive environmental observation, active communication, and emotional self-regulation become disrupted.
Equally important is the role of parents in the therapeutic intervention for a child with screen addiction. Regardless of the severity of impairment or the manifestation of symptoms, parental behavior can serve as a key facilitator of recovery by supporting therapists and adopting an appropriate attitude toward the child and their challenges. Conversely, parents can also act as powerful amplifiers of symptomatology, reinforcing and exacerbating existing developmental impairments resulting from screen dependency.
However, how do hidden intentions between partners, both conscious and unconscious insincere actions, as well as unspoken family issues, exert an even greater influence on the development of a child with hyperactivity, attention deficits, and language difficulties resulting from screen addiction? This very notion of "hidden dynamics" will be the primary focus of the present study.
The hidden dynamics within family relationships can be understood as a set of unconscious and deliberately suppressed behavioral patterns that shape interactions between parents and children. On one hand, these dynamics encompass unspoken conflicts, manipulative statements, and concealed emotional responses between partners, which often go unnoticed on a surface level. On the other hand, hidden dynamics manifest through the unconscious reproduction of relational patterns from the parents' own childhood, leading to increased tension and insecurity within the family environment (Emery et al., 1992; Sarrazin et al., 2007; Jones et al., 2021).
When these hidden dynamics remain unresolved, the child may become a "mirror image" of the family’s underlying issues, expressing them through various behavioral or emotional difficulties. In the case of a child with screen addiction, hyperactivity, attention deficits, and language impairments, a tense family atmosphere can exacerbate symptoms and hinder therapeutic interventions. This creates a vicious cycle in which parents struggle to manage the situation, while the child continues to exhibit problematic behavior.
The following sections will explore in greater depth how parental interactions shape children's behavioral patterns, how family therapy can help uncover hidden dynamics, and how targeted interventions can foster positive developmental changes in the child.
Design
Research Objective
The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of hidden family dynamics on the development of a child exhibiting symptoms of hyperactivity, attention deficits, and language impairments associated with screen addiction.
Methodology
The study will be conducted as a clinical case study with an in-depth analysis, employing a mixed-method approach:
- Qualitative Analysis – In-depth interviews with the parents and observations of family interactions.
- Quantitative Analysis – Measurement of psychophysiological parameters using biofeedback (BFB) and neurofeedback (NFB) to assess stress responses and cognitive functioning.
Participants
Family Profile
- Mother: 35 years old, preschool teacher, exhibiting heightened anxiety and tension, characterized by distrust toward the therapeutic process and a high degree of emotional reactivity.
- Father: 39 years old, employee at a machinery parts company, demonstrating seemingly stable psychophysiological functioning but with a tendency to suppress emotions.
- Child: 4-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD and language deficits, exposed to screen time since 1.5 years of age, displaying characteristic symptoms such as irritability, involuntary movements, and difficulties with eye contact.
Research Procedures
The study will be conducted in three main stages:
4.1. Initial Assessment
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Conducting a structured interview with the parents.
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Measuring baseline physiological parameters (heart rate, skin conductivity, respiration).
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Evaluating the child’s cognitive and emotional functioning.
4.2. Therapeutic Intervention
Parallel sessions with both the parents and the child will be conducted once per week, each lasting 50 minutes.
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Family Therapy – Sessions with both parents aimed at uncovering hidden relational dynamics.
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Individual Sessions with the Mother – Focus on anxiety management and behavioral patterns.
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Individual Sessions with the Father – Analysis of coping mechanisms for stress and emotional expression.
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Screen Addiction Therapy for the Child – Implementation of screen detox and observation of behavioral changes.
4.3. Post-Therapy Assessment
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Re-evaluation of psychophysiological parameters.
- Assessment of behavioral changes in the child after a three-month period.
- Analysis of shifts in family dynamics.
5. Expected Outcomes
- Identification and clarification of hidden family dynamics and their impact on the child.
- Reduction of maternal anxiety and increased emotional engagement of the father.
- Improvement in the child’s cognitive and emotional functioning following the therapeutic intervention.
6. Significance of the Study
This study will provide valuable insights into the interplay between family dynamics, screen addiction, and the child's cognitive development. Additionally, it will contribute to understanding the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy in this context.
Results
This study focuses on a three-member family consisting of a 35-year-old mother, a 39-year-old father, and a four-year-old child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and language deficits. A key factor contributing to the child’s developmental difficulties is prolonged exposure to screen devices, which began as early as 1 year and 6 months of age. Excessive screen time, averaging three hours per day, has led to a range of symptoms, including limited verbal communication, repetitive and disorganized phrases, lack of eye contact, involuntary body movements, and increased irritability.
During the initial assessment, the child exhibited specific behavioral patterns that correlated with both cognitive and emotional development and the underlying family dynamics. Notable behaviors included mechanical repetition of words and actions, as well as a tendency for physical contact through pinching—primarily directed at the mother and other children—potentially indicating an unsuccessful attempt at social interaction. Another significant observation was that the child sleeps with the mother, which emerged as a critical therapeutic focus, as this attachment pattern may hinder the development of autonomy and emotional regulation.
The mother, who works as a preschool teacher, exhibits high levels of anxiety and tension, along with a distinctly negative attitude toward the father. Even before the start of the therapeutic process, she attributes the family's problems to him, suggesting the presence of a longstanding conflict in their relationship. Additionally, she displays obsessive behavior toward the child and maintains a highly controlling role in his daily life, further complicating the family dynamics.
Psychophysiological measurements reveal a distinct profile characterized by an irregular heart rate fluctuating between 75 and 85 beats per minute and very low HRV, shallow and high-frequency breathing, and increased skin conductance. During the stress test, strong physiological reactions were recorded, including a tendency toward a "freeze" response when anticipating certain events.
The father, in contrast, exhibits outwardly calm behavior; however, therapeutic assessment revealed that he suppresses his emotional responses. The mother accuses him of poor communication, conflict avoidance, and emotional detachment. Additionally, it was noted that she frequently discusses family problems with her own parents, which may undermine the father’s authority and further intensify tensions in their relationship.
Despite his apparent stability, physiological measurements indicate underlying stress. While his heart rate remains within normal limits and his breathing is deep and rhythmic, his skin conductance shows significant fluctuations between states of activation and relaxation. Particularly strong physiological responses were observed when discussing the accusations directed at him by the mother, suggesting suppressed tension and hidden emotional reactivity.
The family dynamics are characterized by persistent tension, which manifests both in the relationship between the parents and in the child's behavior. An analysis of their interactions reveals that the mother's stress management and anxiety patterns directly influence the child, who mirrors her reactions through automated behaviors and physical contact as a form of communication.
The father's psychophysiological measurements suggest that, despite his outward display of calmness, he experiences significant internal stress. While this remains unexpressed at a behavioral level, it may contribute to an imbalance in family relationships.
The initial results of the therapeutic process indicate a slight improvement in the child's social connectedness following the reduction of screen time, as well as an increased variety in food preferences. However, anxiety within the family environment remains a significant factor that could hinder further progress.
Long-term therapeutic work is necessary, focusing on improving communication between the parents, reducing maternal anxiety, and creating a more supportive developmental environment for the child. It is expected that targeted interventions, including biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, will facilitate better anxiety regulation, greater awareness of family interaction patterns, and improvements in parent-child relationships.
Results from the Therapeutic Process
During the course of therapy, a series of individual sessions were conducted with both the mother and the father. These sessions aimed to deepen the understanding of their personality traits, perceptions, and emotional attitudes, as well as to analyze the functioning of the peripheral nervous system through biofeedback technology. The primary focus was on the dynamics of the partners' relationship and its impact on the child's development.
From the early stages of therapy, the mother exhibited significant resistance, expressed as skepticism toward the therapeutic process—both regarding her own participation and that of the child. She demonstrated strong doubts about the possibility of improving family relationships. An analysis of her behavior during the sessions revealed selective adherence to assigned homework tasks, with some being avoided or neglected. This pattern suggests the presence of defense mechanisms rooted in fear, distrust, and a lack of motivation to confront personal trauma and internal conflicts.
Additionally, throughout the therapeutic process, it became evident that the mother placed full responsibility for family tensions on the father, without acknowledging her own role in the dynamic. This was particularly apparent when asked about the distribution of blame in their relationship, to which she responded unequivocally: "100% my husband’s fault."
The primary accusations directed by the mother toward the father included a lack of communication, irritability, physical aggression, emotional detachment, and insufficient gentleness in his behavior. In subsequent sessions, it became evident that these claims were not entirely unfounded; however, their manifestation was the result of a complex interdependence within the family dynamics.
Through the application of various biofeedback techniques and in-depth discussions analyzing behavioral patterns from childhood, past romantic relationships, and emotional regulation, the mother’s initial resistance gradually began to subside. This had a positive effect on both her physiological indicators and her ability to relax and regulate emotions. As a result of the therapy, there was a noticeable improvement in her self-esteem, as well as a more realistic perspective on her relationship with her partner and strategies for managing intense emotional reactions.
Alongside these changes in the mother, positive trends were also observed in the child's condition. Throughout the therapeutic process, there was a noticeable expansion of the child's linguistic repertoire, more active social interactions, improved eye contact, and a greater variety in food preferences.
However, family anxiety remained a key factor affecting the child's development. This was confirmed through behavioral observations, body language analysis, and data from the skin conductance level (SCL) signal measured by the biofeedback equipment.
Regarding the father, the initial therapy results indicated relatively stable nervous system functioning. However, beneath his apparent calmness lay a pattern of emotional suppression, which became evident during the therapeutic sessions.
Discussions surrounding the accusations made by the mother elicited distinct responses in the SCL signal, indicating significant internal stress. The awareness of these processes also triggered physiological reactions in the father, further confirming the presence of unconscious autonomic patterns of emotional suppression.
The father, in turn, also expressed specific complaints about his partner. His main concerns included her constant repetition and nagging, obsessive focus on the child, and frequent communication with her parents, primarily to discuss family matters.
During the therapeutic process, it became evident that his initial calmness was actually a defense mechanism, which, under provocation from the mother, could easily escalate into less adaptive behavioral patterns. This aspect of their dynamic was identified as a key factor in understanding the hidden processes within the family system.
Despite these challenges, the father demonstrated a willingness to change and an ability to recognize unconscious patterns, creating an opportunity for positive developments in their family relationships.
In the next phase of therapy, joint sessions with both parents were conducted, focusing on uncovering the hidden aspects of family dynamics. The primary goal of these sessions was to provide an objective perspective on the partners' communication patterns and facilitate awareness of their emotional responses.
During these meetings, the parents had the opportunity to observe each other’s reactions to various provocations. The use of biofeedback technology helped visualize their physiological responses in real-time, offering deeper insight into their emotional states.
As a result of this process, it was revealed that the father’s primary complaint about the mother’s constant repetition was linked to his own difficulty in fully expressing emotions. Analyzing this pattern led to a better mutual understanding and the implementation of specific tasks aimed at optimizing their interactions. Over time, improvements were observed: the frequency of the mother’s repetitive instructions decreased, while the father began to exhibit greater emotional engagement.
A significant change was also observed in the physical interaction between the mother and the child. The pinching behavior, which the mother initially perceived as unwanted conduct from the child, was found to be linked to her own unconscious manifestation of anxiety. This was reflected in a similar self-stimulatory behavior she exhibited during therapy sessions. After identifying this connection and implementing targeted interventions, this behavioral pattern showed substantial improvement.
In conclusion, following a one-month break from therapy, a remarkable transformation was noted both in the family environment and in the child's condition. The child’s social engagement increased, eye contact became more stable, and responses in social situations became more appropriate. At the same time, the relationship between the parents showed signs of improvement, although residual resistance from both sides remained.
These results emphasize the importance of uncovering and addressing hidden family dynamics as a key factor in fostering the child's healthy development and strengthening the family system.
Analysis and Discussion of Results
The case examined in this study is not an exception but rather a clear example of how hidden parental dynamics directly influence a child's development. For a child's growth to be truly balanced, parents must develop a clear and objective understanding of three key aspects: their perception of the world, their perception of their partner, and their perception of themselves. Suppressed emotions, false narratives, and fear must be replaced with what can be termed "radical transparency" and "radical truth." In this context, "radical" refers to complete openness and vulnerability in family relationships, alongside an objective examination of these interactions. Achieving this is not a one-time event but an ongoing process—one that often requires professional therapeutic intervention.
Taking a step further into the exploration of both conscious and unconscious psychological processes, we can refer to Carl Jung’s famous statement: "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." In many cases, parents only begin to realize the depth of these hidden dynamics after their initial therapy sessions, recognizing that improving the child's condition is inseparable from improving their own relationship. However, the process of adopting and embodying healthier relational models requires dedication, willpower, time, and patience. True therapeutic progress begins when these four principles are fully acknowledged and actively embraced.
Research indicates that, in addition to developmental difficulties in early childhood, unhealthy parental relationships can be a direct cause of anxiety and depressive states in later years. These issues often lead to challenges in forming deep and meaningful relationships with others, difficulties that frequently require therapeutic support to overcome. The key is not to eliminate conflicts within the family but to address them openly, seeking conscious and collaborative resolution. Families that resolve conflicts in a healthy manner are better able to minimize the negative impact of tense situations on their children.
Delving deeper into family dynamics, it is important to consider how closeness is formed between partners and between parents and their child— a delicate issue that requires a well-defined understanding. Parents must share responsibilities, openly acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses, and maintain a unified stance in front of the child. Manipulative behaviors in this regard are often observed and can create significant difficulties in the healthy development of both the child and the family as a whole.
Following an inductive approach, the family case examined in this study reflects common patterns found in many families with unclear, hidden, and manipulative dynamics. However, there is no guarantee that merely identifying and bringing these patterns to light will lead to a dramatic improvement in the family environment or the child’s development. Moreover, the general characteristics outlined in partner relationships do not claim to be exhaustive. Nonetheless, it can be stated with a high degree of certainty that family functioning follows recurring patterns, and synchronicity in relationships exhibits notable similarities and correlations across different family structures.
Conclusion
The findings from the case analyzed in this study clearly illustrate the direct correlation between the awareness and clarification of relational processes between parents and the developmental trajectory of their children. Hidden attitudes toward one another—whether consciously concealed or unconsciously maintained—create an overall unfavorable family atmosphere and hinder the child’s development.
The process of uncovering these hidden dynamics is relatively long and does not lead to an absolute final outcome. Instead, it requires continuous effort and adaptation. Encouraging parents to adopt an open and exploratory mindset, guided by therapists, is key to transforming hidden dynamics into conscious, constructive interactions. However, the journey toward change ultimately remains the responsibility of the individuals involved.
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