Parental Deprivation and Social Adaptation Problems in Children in Developmental Psychology

This doctoral thesis examines the profound effects of parental loss on children’s social,
emotional, and cognitive development. Parental deprivation significantly compromises
children’s sense of security, disrupting social competence and empathy levels. In-depth
interviews conducted with 200 children and families in Manila, Philippines, reveal that
children who lack parental support struggle to establish strong social bonds and often
experience heightened levels of loneliness and social anxiety. This deprivation contributes to
emotional and cognitive constriction, limiting children’s ability to express themselves
effectively in social interactions. Findings highlight the critical role of supportive social
networks—particularly relatives, teachers, and peers—in facilitating children’s adaptation
processes. The study underscores that parental loss leaves lasting psychological imprints on
children, emphasizing the importance of early intervention programs to foster healthy
relationship-building and mitigate the long-term social and emotional consequences of
parental deprivation.