The effects of parent-child separation on cognition: a systematic review

Introduction: Parent-child separation affects millions of children globally, yet its specific cognitive consequences remain inadequately synthesised. This systematic review examined cognitive outcomes following parent-child separation across diverse populations and contexts.Method: Three databases (APA PsycInfo, Embase, Ovid Medline) were systematically searched through March 2025. Studies examining associations between parent-child separation before age 18 and cognitive outcomes were included. Twenty-three studies (14 longitudinal, 9 cross-sectional) met inclusion criteria, spanning multiple countries and separation contexts including parental death, war displacement, adoption, and migration.Results: Twenty of twenty-three studies demonstrated significant cognitive impairments across multiple domains: global cognitive function, memory, inhibition/impulsivity, emotional-social cognition, and intelligence. Effects persisted from childhood through late adulthood. Critical modifying factors included separation timing, parent and child gender, alternative care quality, and cultural context. Two studies suggested potential for cognitive recovery with early intervention, particularly when foster placement occurred before age two.Conclusions: Parent-child separation consistently associates with impaired cognitive development across domains. Findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies and quality alternative caregiving. Future research should employ dimensional approaches to adversity, prospective longitudinal designs, and account for contextual factors to develop evidence-based interventions for this vulnerable population.Key words: Cognition, separation, adversity, attachment, development