THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF PARENTAL SEPARATION IN CHILDHOOD: CHALLENGES AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Abstract

This article aims to identify the psychological impacts of parental separation in childhood and elucidate clinical intervention strategies from the perspective of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is a narrative literature review of a qualitative and descriptive-exploratory nature, built from searches in the LILACS, SciELO, PePSIC, and PubMed/MEDLINE databases, covering publications from the period of 2016 to 2026. The results indicate that prolonged stress, resulting from continuous fights between parents and the lack of cooperation in raising children (coparenting), are the main causes of emotional vulnerabilities and impairments in children's cognitive development. It was found that the child often develops cognitive distortions, such as personalization, believing they are to blame for the end of the relationship, and creates deep-seated core beliefs of abandonment. Intervention through CBT demonstrates high efficacy by utilizing play activities to restructure these thoughts, combined with more modern approaches that help the child better manage their emotions. Furthermore, the need to treat the family environment as a whole is evident, guiding parents to avoid situations of alienation. It is concluded that the psychologist's work in this context must be evidence-based, seeking not only to alleviate emotional pain but also to promote resilience and the healthy development of the child in the face of the new family reality.