This paper presents an exploratory study of two contrasting cases
observed longitudinally, using the different versions of the LTP
procedure from infancy to adolescence, to evaluate the continuity of
family processes, coparenting, and children's triangular communication.
Two cases, matched for SES and gender of the children, were selected
from a sample of 50 volunteer families. One family had a functional
alliance, while the other had a detouring coalition. We begin with
descriptions of the family interactions, the coparenting alliance and
the children's triangular communication at 18 months, followed by brief
descriptions of their LTPs at 3 and 9 months as well as at 5 years.
Finally, we present the LTP for adolescents and their parents, which
involves a discussion task rather than play (LTP/Discussion). Detailed
excerpts contrast the interactions of the two families once the children
were 15 years old. These descriptions show the continuity of family
processes, particularly "three-way" communication in the family with a
functional alliance vs. "two-against one" communication in the family
with a coalition. Data from microanalysis of gaze and affect, during the
LTP/Discussion, provide a second way of assessing communication
patterns. The microanalysis revealed great discrepancies between the
families at adolescence, not only in terms of the pattern of gaze
interaction, but also with respect to the valence of affects. In the
functional alliance, fun and affection dominated and gaze patterns were
typical of three-way communication. Gaze patterns of restricted
communication, lack of empathy and hostility characterised the detouring
coalition.