ABSTRACT
This chapter explores non-death loss in the lives of adolescents and the impact this has on adolescents. It includes parental divorce, incarceration of a parent, some of the many reasons for relocation, friendship loss, and romantic breakup. Parental divorce during the adolescent years is correlated with an array of symptoms to include poor school grades, difficulty with peer relationships, behavioral acting out, psychosomatic complaints, angst, anger, sadness, feeling unloved, physical and emotional distancing, and an increase in internalizing problems. The United States has the highest incarceration rate and recidivism rate as compared to other countries. It is imperative to consider both the short-term and long-terms effects this has on adolescents who lose a parent to prison. Given the separation individuation process inherent in and a crucial component of healthy adolescent development, incarceration of a parent disrupts an adolescent's attachment to an important adult in the adolescent's life.
