A estrutura de defesa oral na análise bioenergética: uma revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

This research aimed to conduct an integrative review of the scientific literature on the oral defense structure in Bioenergetic Analysis, characterized by dependence and fear of abandonment, originating from affective deprivation in early childhood, as well as to investigate its origins, psychophysical manifestations, and clinical implications. Bioenergetic Analysis understands body and psyche as integrated dimensions of human experience, considering that bodily patterns express defense mechanisms developed throughout life. In this context, the oral structure is related to early experiences of bonding, care, and affective support, manifesting as feelings of neediness, emotional dependence, insecurity, and difficulty in self-sufficiency. This is a qualitative and exploratory study, conducted through an integrative literature review, with searches in the SciELO, Google Scholar, CAPES Periodicals Portal, and The Clinical Journal of the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis databases, from September 2025 to February 2026. Articles, dissertations, and theses published between 2000 and 2026, in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French, were included. The results showed convergence among the authors in describing the oral structure as a psychophysical organization associated with failures in early experiences of care and emotional support. It was observed that individuals with oral predominance tend to present low muscle tone, collapsed posture, shallow breathing, a feeling of inner emptiness, and an intense need for affective validation. In the clinical context, the importance of interventions focused on grounding, body awareness, and strengthening emotional autonomy was highlighted. In conclusion, understanding the structure of oral defense contributes significantly to a more integrated, sensitive, and body-oriented clinical practice, although gaps still exist in the literature, especially regarding empirical studies on the subject.