Casamentos duradouros:o uso de entrevistas e o TAT na análise psicanalítica da relação conjugal

This article aims at reflecting on long-lasting marriages by studying the dynamics (conscious and unconscious) of established matrimonial relationships. At first, we use the theoretical socio-historic references on the existing modalities of marriage throughout history, and then we suggest a psychoanalytical analysis of three couples. Data collection was carried out by means of semi-open interviews with the couple, and T.A.T. cards 2, 4, 5, 10 and 16 were used with each spouse separately. Results showed that marriages lasted mainly due to the establishment of complementary pairs and to a traditional model of marriage, in which emphasis is put on raising the children and structuring the family, leaving aside their own conjugality.