Understanding Alex: Impact of Parental Separation on Child Behavior

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Alex is a nine year old boy who was referred to the school psychologist to be evaluated. Alex has been displaying difficult behaviors in school and at home. These behaviors are affecting his social and school life. Alex has been defiant towards teachers and has frequent confrontations with other students. Alex became fussy about the food that he eats, lost interest in after school activities, and stopped playing soccer. It was noted that Alex has trouble sleeping and he wakes up as much as four times a day. It was also noted by his parents that Alex used to be very social, and outgoing until his parents separated. Alex is often irritable and has been having frequent stomach aches and headaches but, doctors did not find a cause for his physical …show more content…

The goal for this treatment is to involve the family in coming up with solutions for the student. Therapy that includes parents is an effective, essential part of treatment for children with depression. (APA, 2005). This can be a very effective method if family members actively participate during the therapy sessions. However, issues may arise if the family is reluctant to participate in family therapy especially because there is a misunderstanding that family therapy is about blaming parents. However, family therapy helps families come up with different interventions that can help the child. In order to avoid these issues, clear and effective communication is essential to ensure parents do not feel blamed for the student’s behaviors. Lee & Bax (2000) explained that following parents’ separation, children may regress, display anxiety and depressive symptoms, appear more irritable, demanding and noncompliant, and experience problems in social relationships and school performance. It’s important for students and parents to be educated about parental separation/divorce in order to help the student cope with the range of emotions and

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