Child Life Certification Practice Test

During the despair phase after separation, children typically experience a sense of increased hopelessness. This phase is characterized by feelings of sadness and withdrawal, as the child may begin to understand that the separation is prolonged and may not see a resolution in sight. The despair is often rooted in feelings of abandonment and a deep emotional response to being apart from caregivers they rely on for comfort and security.

While children may exhibit signs of anger or aggression, or even demonstrate coping mechanisms and signs of eagerness for their parents' return, these behaviors are more representative of earlier stages of separation such as protest or denial rather than the despair phase. In contrast, the despair phase is marked mainly by emotional pain, loss of interest in surroundings, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness as they struggle to come to terms with the separation. This highlights the complexity of their emotional journey, where feelings of hopelessness significantly affect their ability to engage with the world around them during this challenging time.