The Impact of Parental Separation on Young Children’s Mental Health

This publication was prepared according to the data of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD). The analyses are based on a subsample of children followed from the age of 3½, when they were all living with both biological parents, up to the age of 8. The impact of parental separation on certain aspects of young children’s mental health is assessed, such as anxiety, depression and opposition behaviours. Family characteristics of children prior to their parent’s separation are compared to those of children whose parents were still together when the children were 8 years of age.