Conceptualizing the personality disorders of children with divorced parents

The theoretical work carried out following the intensive study of the research conducted so far regarding the consequences of divorce and their impact on children represents a major problem that is spread globally. A significant number of children are affected by exposure to parental conflicts related to aspects of the child's domicile and personal relationship schedule with the non-resident parent, legal and financial considerations, or the emotional refusal of at least one of the parents to accept separation. Studies analyzing the influencing factors on child development demonstrate that the time spent in the family is decisive for the evolution of personality and social integration, the adult model, and family relationships imprint the models of subsequent social development, as well as the individual's social success. Multiple studies, mainly transversal, that explored the perspectives of the subjects, discovered a series of determined factors of the problem, reporting inadequate parental care (insufficient or overprotection), parental inconsistency generated by parental separation, and negative parental attitudes. Patterns of pre- and post-divorce marital status determined varied internalizing disorder outcomes in children who experienced divorce. Parents' neglect and conflict, their growth and development difficulties from their own childhood, sexual and physical abuse, can determine the etiology for the development of borderline personality disorder. The documentation with the existing research generated reflections and the theoretical structuring of this material.