Separation-individuation processes of adolescent children of parents with multiple sclerosis

The current study examines the implications of responsibility and obligation on separation-individuation processes and the appearance of various symptoms of psychological distress in adolescent children of multiple sclerosis (MS) parents. We examined 56 children, between the ages of 10 and 18 years, each with a parent with MS. The results were compared to a control group of 156 children whose parents were healthy. Children's emotions were examined by means of two questionnaires: Youth Self Report (YSR), and Separation Individuation Test of Adolescence (SITA). It was found that children with a MS-affected parent displayed higher levels of depression and anxiety than children from the control group. Furthermore, children in the study group reported a greater degree of separation anxiety, compared to the control group. We conclude with clinical recommendations for developing therapeutic interventions for adolescents to MS-affected parents, as well as for their ill and healthy parents.