Ana Tatu
College of Psychologists of Romania, RomaniaPresentation Title:
Parental clinical symptoms and child adaptive functioning in separated and divorced families: Affective and behavioral correlates in children aged 3–12
Abstract
Parental separation and divorce are major
stressors for children, influencing behavioral and
adaptive functioning. Yet, the specific role of
parental mental health—especially affective and
anxiety symptoms—remains underexplored in
relation to children’s adaptive skills. This study
investigates the link between behavioral problems
and adaptive functioning in children aged 3–12
from separated or divorced families, considering
the moderating role of parental clinical symptoms.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 108
children evaluated in clinical settings. Parents
completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
and the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System –
II (ABAS-II) for their children. Parental clinical
symptoms were measured using the Hamilton
Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A).
Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and
multiple regression analyses were performed,
controlling for child age, sex, time since
separation.
Results showed a significant negative correlation
between CBCL externalizing scores and ABAS-II
adaptive functioning (r = −0.41, p < .001).
Regression analyses indicated that higher parental
clinical symptoms strengthened the negative
association between child behavioral problems
and adaptive functioning (β_interaction = −0.17, p
= .02).
The effect was strongest within the first year after
separation and decreased over time.
Children from separated or divorced families
displayed more behavioral difficulties and lower
adaptive functioning, particularly when parents
reported higher affective and anxiety symptoms.
These findings emphasize the need for integrated
psychological interventions supporting both
children and parents, promoting emotional
resilience and healthy adaptation.
Biography
Ana Tatu is a Clinical Psychologist Specialist and
Psychotherapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical
Psychology. Active in the field since 2007, she
runs an Individual Psychology Practice in
Bucharest, Romania, and is affiliated with the
College of Psychologists of Romania. Ana has
international experience in psychological support,
including collaborations during the COVID-19
pandemic, focusing on child and family emotional
adaptation.
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