[Children in parental separation. Review of the literature]

The authors present a synthesis of the studies published in the literature since 1980 concerning the psychological consequences of parental separation on children. The risk of psychological disturbances varies according to the age and the sex of the child, and to the different parental attitudes. Pediatricians have an important role in preventing psychological consequences of parental separation on children by giving information to the parents and helping the children to understand and accept the event. In addition early recognition of psychological disturbances is important in order to offer a specialized support to the child.