Return Home Site Map Help

Section 3: Separations


Lesson Four: Infants' Reactions to Major Separations ............ Page 3 of 5

Child becomes apathetic and withdrawn

Despair

Sooner or later, the second stage of despair sets in. Children continue to long for their mother but any hope of her returning fades. Eventually, the restless noisy demands cease. These children become apathetic and withdrawn. The despair is broken only perhaps by intermittent and monotonous wails. These children are in a state of total misery.


Next Back