A survey found that 86% of Brazilians have already received offensive comments, comparisons or criticism, often in the form of remarks made by siblings, uncles, cousins and even parents. In theory, the problem is called domestic bullying, an issue that demystifies the image of security within the family.
The study, conducted by the consultancy On The Go and commissioned by Boticário for its Christmas campaign, interviewed about two thousand Brazilians in all regions of the country, and provided alarming data about the reality of bullying within the family environment. Among them, 50% say that the most common situations are related to appearance – an everyday reality, often treated as a “joke”, but which leaves marks.
An example of this is actress Ariel Winter, famous for the series “Modern Family.” The American spoke about her painful past, where she reported being subjected to physical and emotional abuse from her mother, and said that as a child she suffered from domestic aggression and constant hostility, which prompted her to free herself at the age of seventeen.
Only 17% of those interviewed frequently talk about this harassment, although the majority recognize that they would like to discuss the topic more openly and carefully. Beyond the numbers, research shows that this is a silent, often normal phenomenon, and that it occurs even in families that consider themselves affectionate.
However, 71% of those interviewed believe that positive words have the power to change relationships. When asked what they would like to hear from their family members, answers include encouragement, acceptance, respect and affection. Brazilians know that communication within the home can develop and want lighter, more sympathetic and real relationships.
For On The Go, understanding this phenomenon is essential to transform the way we communicate within the family environment: “Research reinforces that friendly conversations have a very significant impact on well-being and self-esteem. Even in everyday situations, seemingly simple comments can be interpreted in different ways. That’s why understanding this context is so important. The good news is that there is an openness to change and a desire to build more positive relationships,” says Anna Cavalcanti, Insights Director at On The Go.
Carolina Carrasco, Brand and Communications Director at Boticário, stresses the importance of sparking important conversations: “Words, in family relationships, can leave a profound impact on those we love and affection plays an essential role in building more positive connections.”
Women and young people feel these effects more intensely
The data also reveals important differences between groups: 23% of women and 28% of young people aged 18-24 reported greater sensitivity to uncomfortable situations within the family, especially when they involve comments about appearance or comparisons with other people.
Among these audiences, recurring events have a more significant impact on self-esteem: nine out of ten say this type of situation affects the way they see themselves. The research also shows that despite these experiences, both groups show greater openness to more welcoming conversations and building more positive family relationships.