What are common emotional reactions of school-age children to parental divorce?

• A. Profound sadness, depression, fear, insecurity, frequent crying, loss of appetite, and sleep disorders.
• B. Profound happiness and increased appetite.
• C. No emotional change.
• D. Only aggression.

Answer: (A)

When a parent divorces, school-age children are processing loss, changes in family structure, and uncertainty about routines and who they will spend time with. This stage of development makes them especially sensitive to stability and security, so their emotional response often centers on sadness and worry about the future. The pattern typically includes profound sadness or depressive mood, fear about what the separation means for them, and insecurity about their relationships with each parent. They may cry frequently and show physical symptoms like loss of appetite and trouble sleeping as their bodies react to stress. While some children may also act out, the emphasis here is on these emotional and somatic responses that reflect grief and adjustment rather than happiness, no change, or only aggression.