Physical Symptoms Related To Both Separation and Loss of Parental Role

The desire of children in response to the abruptly diminished role of fathers in their lives is echoed in the distress by many non-custodial fathers (and by implication non-custodial mothers) at becoming a substantially less than important figure in their children’s lives due to the visiting role assigned to them after divorce. Some of the physical symptoms reported include dramatic weight loss, eye and dental problems thought to be nerve-related, high blood pressure, psychosomatic complaints, increased alcohol consumption, as well as changes in sexual performance. Divorced parents have also reported difficulties in sleeping, eating, working and socialising (Hetherington, Cox, & Cox 1978; Greif 1979).            

Sources

Hetherington E. M., Cox M, & Cox R (1978). The Aftermath of Divorce. In Steven and Mathews (Editors), Mother-Child, Father-Child Relations. National Association for the Education of Young Children: Washington DC

Greif J. B (1979). Fathers, Children and Joint Custody. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. 49: 311-319