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

University of Colorado at Denver

The three phases of the separation response are:

•	Protest

•	Despair

•	Detachment/Denial


Phases of Separation Response

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

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.

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