A study on affection in Portugal reveals that many Portuguese people desire closer relationships, but recognize difficulties in expressing affection. “We are at a time when it seems that it is difficult to demonstrate empathy. There are those who argue that they see a bad value, but that is not true”, says psychiatrist Daniel Sampaio.
We live in fast-paced times, marked by intense routines and new forms of connection. The consequence is that 7 out of 10 Portuguese people admit that they want closer relationships, but find it very difficult to express affection.
This is one of the main conclusions of the first scientific study on affections in Portugal, coordinated by psychiatrist Daniel Sampaio.
“We are at a time when it seems difficult to demonstrate empathy. There are those who argue that it is a bad value, but this study shows the opposite”, says Daniel Sampaio.
The data indicates that the problem is not the lack of affection, but the absence of tools to express it.
Psychiatrist calls for measures to support families
Childhood is an essential phase. In this sense, examples of essential public measures to support families stand out, with “more psychologists and preventive responses”, highlights Daniel Sampaio.
Despite everything, the study also reveals clues on how to unlock emotional communication. An example is the relationships between children and grandparents, in which affections circulate freely.
