Separation Reactions of Married Women

Abstract

The author describes the types of reactions to periodic separation of 485 married psychiatric outpatients. The data support Bowlby's hypothesis that the separation reaction is a psychobiological response pattern that has different implications according to the characterological development of the individual. Some criteria for successful adjustment to separation are described, and a therapeutic method to aid the development of separation tolerance is outlined. The nature and resolution of marital problems arising from separation are also discussed.