This article discusses selected consequences and responses of infants and children to paternal loss through demise or divorce. The authors integrate various developmental theories in analyzing the infant's or child's attempts to cope when faced with paternal loss. Developmental stage mastery of an infant or child may be disrupted by profound loss such as paternal death. Subsequent experiences following the disruption, such as the depressed state of the grieving maternal figure, may further impair the coping effectiveness of the infant or child.
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