Contact Refusal in Children and Adolescents Post-Parental Separation

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore and understand the underlying themes in contact refusal between a parent and a child through a developmentally sensitive lens. This study examines how trauma, relational dynamics, and developmental stages influence a child’s refusal to engage with a parent post-separation or divorce. The theories guiding this research include Erikson’s psychosocial development stages (Erikson, 1950, 1968), which highlight how children’s developmental needs and challenges impact their relational attachments. Additionally, the diagnostic framework for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) as outlined by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases 11 (Cloitre et al., 2014) and the Developmental Trauma Disorder criteria (Ford et al., 2018) were utilized to contextualize trauma-related responses in children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fully licensed mental health clinicians experienced in working with children who refuse contact with a parent. These clinicians provided insights into the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive patterns observed in children facing these circumstances. Data analysis emphasized developmental themes and the criteria associated with complex and developmental trauma. The findings illuminate the intersection of developmental challenges and trauma, offering a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to contact refusal. Key results were discussed alongside research implications, emphasizing the need for trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate interventions in therapeutic and legal contexts. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on contact refusal by providing a framework for understanding this phenomenon from a perspective that integrates developmental psychology and trauma theory.