State of the Art: Research Trajectory in the Master's Degree in Intervention in Family Relations, Universidad de Caldas– Colombia (2013-2020)

Abstract

Abstract. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the Graduate Research Projects (GRPs) conducted within the Master’s Degree program in Intervention in Family Relations at the Universidad de Caldas, Colombia, between 2013 and 2020. The general objective was to recover the knowledge generated through research and intervention processes in the Program. The methodology involved a systematic, documentary review of the Master’s theses, analyzing the studies conducted in the field of family relationships and intervention processes over eight academic years. In-depth interviews were also conducted with six directors and ten authors of the theses to identify common themes, elements, and differences. The analysis highlights the theoretical positions, research topics, methodological approaches, conclusions and recommendations of the GRPs, as well as the perspectives of graduates and directors. The results and conclusions a) reveal the epistemological, theoretical and methodological advances in the research studies, b) show the alignment of the GRPs with institutional and professional needs of the authors and the relevance for their seedbeds or research lines, and, c) state the connection of the GRPs to the proposed research lines. Furthermore, the article explores the integration of theses with institutional initiatives, with some utilizing the intervention proposals as a supportive framework while others viewed it solely as a degree requirement. Finally, the article underscores the intersection of epistemologies such as systemic, socio-cultural constructivism, and social constructionism, which align with the approaches of the Master’s Degree Program and the methodological framework proposed for family intervention.