Deprivation and the antisocial tendency of adolescents facing parental divorce

The aim of this study was to identify deprivation indicators in adolescents who experienced parental divorce in the last two years of their lives and showed signs of antisocial behavior. According to the literature, behavior problems are manifested when there is some kind of break in the continuity of parental care, leading to a deprivation state. A qualitative approach was adopted, based on Multiple Case Studies design. Three teenagers, aged 12, 13 and 15 years old were evaluated, as well as their parents, based on semi-structured interviews and projective tests. The results suggested an association between adolescents' symptoms and parental care breaks and discontinuities. Possible experiences of deprivation were detected, not only in the context of divorce, but also in early childhood.