Children in Limbo,
Abstract
The reaction of children to the prolonged absence of a father missing in action or a prisoner of war was investigated. Group discussions with the children were conducted and feelings about their fathers' absence or recent return, their personal and emotional adjustment, and their perceptions of mother's adjustment were examined. The children of returned prisoners of war were found to be in their initial stages of reunion with their fathers and expressing some feelings of guilt over having had their fathers return while the others were still waiting. The children whose fathers had not returned indicated several difficult areas of adjustment due to social as well as family responsibilities, conflicts with other children in the school setting, and frustrations over coping with prolonged absence. These children saw their mothers as needing their support and protection, and the prospects of starting a new life without father, the probability of mother dating, and the lessening of hope for father's return were discussed with extreme ambivalence. Advanced maturity and greater sensitivity to other people were perceived by all the children as benefits of their situation. The nature of these reactions and the implications for the long-term adjustment of the children are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA038368
Entities
People
- Barbara B. Dahl
- Edna J. Hunter
- Hamilton I. Mccubbin
- John A. Plag
- Phillip J. Metres Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center