During this phase, a child might cry, ask for their caregiver, show anger or cling to others

Protest Separation Response

During this phase, a child may feel hopeless and become physically inactive, withdrawing from activities, and in a state of mourning

Despair Separation Response

In the final stage of separation, a child will make the impression that they have recovered and will slowly accept and interact with others along with food, toys, etc. If the separation continues, the child may suffer irreversible damage. They may become superficially attached to adults and become self-centered, preoccupies with material things, food, or activities in the future.

Detachment/Denial Separation Response

The three phases of the separation response are:

•	Protest

•	Despair

•	Detachment/Denial


University of Colorado at Denver

Separation anxiety in children seems intense or prolonged and interferes with school or other daily activities. It can also includes panic attacks. Most frequently separation anxiety disorder is linked to the child's anxiety about his or her parents, but it could relate to another close caregiver.

Less common separation anxiety disorder can occur in teenagers and adults, causing significant problems leaving home or going to work.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Bretherton, I. (1992). The Origins of Attachment Theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. Developmental Psychology, 28(5), 759–775. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.28.5.759

The Origins of Attachment Theory

Separation anxiety disorder is diagnosed when symptoms are excessive for the developmental age and cause significant distress in daily functioning. 

- Recurrent and excessive distress about being away from home or loved ones
- Constant, excessive worry about losing a parent/ loved one to an illness or disaster
- The constant worry that something bad will happen, for example, being lost or kidnapped, causing a separation from loved ones
- Refusing to be away from home due to fear of separation
- Not wanting to be home alone without a parent or other loved one in the house
- Reluctance or unable to sleep away from home without a parent/loved one nearby
- Repeated nightmares about separation
- Frequent complaints of headaches, stomachaches, etc. when separation from a parent/other loved one is anticipated
- Sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear/ terror that peaks within minutes.

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