PSYCHOLOGICAL REPERCUSSIONS OF PARENTAL SEPARATION OCCURRING DURING THE CHILDREN´S ADULTHOOD: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Marital separation is a complex process that brings about significant changes, potentially affecting various family members, including adult children. Although these individuals possess greater autonomy and their own relationship networks, the persistence of emotional bonds with their parents means that the dissolution of the marriage can be a significant experience in their emotional and relational trajectories. However, the literature focuses predominantly on the effects of dissolution during childhood and adolescence; there is a scarcity of studies addressing the emotional, cognitive, and relational repercussions for individuals who experience this dissolution during adulthood. This study is a narrative literature review employing a qualitative approach and an exploratory-descriptive design. The bibliographic search was conducted using the SciELO, LILACS, PePSIC, PubMed, CAPES Journal Portal, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The review included studies investigating individuals aged 18 or older at the time of their parents' separation, as well as earlier studies used for theoretical contextualization where relevant to the topic. The analysis sought to identify emotional reactions, repercussions on family bonds and affective relationships, factors associated with increased vulnerability or adaptation, coping strategies, the role of social support and support networks, and—complementarily—possible insights from the perspective of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.