An electromechanical shock absorber (10) for dampening vibrations generated during rotation of the drum of a washing machine is disclosed. The absorber has a tubular body (11) and a piston (12) telescopically movable with respect to said tubular body (11). A first clamp (20) and a second clamp (21) are disposed within the tubular body (11) and are rotatably connected to each other at their first ends (20a, 2a). One or more friction elements (14) is located in between the piston (12) and the two clamps (20, 21) for producing, during operation, frictional dampening when said piston (12) moves telescopically with respect to the body (11). The body has a window (25) which is formed on said tubular body (11) and through which the second ends (20b, 21b) of the first and second clamps (20, 21) protrude outside said tubular body (11).