Do the Depressed Youth Perceive Parental Separation as a Cause for Their State of Depression? An Exploratory Study

Parental separation is an adverse experience that many youths face in their childhood, which may cause psychological distress. This study investigates a subject that has received little attention in the available literature: the effects of parental separation on the mental health of depressive youngsters. A convenient sampling method is used. The study focuses on ten young people, ages 16 to 21. Some of them are undergoing treatment at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital’s psychiatric ward and the others have completed their treatments. They have been diagnosed with depression and are going through parental separation. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data. The views of these young people about parental separation and its impact on their mental health were investigated using thematic analysis. The results show that young people with depression believe that parental separation has a significant effect on their mental health. Participants underline that parental separation has an important role in contributing to their psychological discomfort, even if they acknowledge that it is not the only reason for their state of depression. Comprehending various viewpoints is essential, providing insightful knowledge for family and couple counselling. With more awareness of the possible mental suffering that children may experience as a result of parental separation, parents will be better able to provide their children with intervention measures and support networks. Therefore, the study results can be incorporated into marriage counselling sessions..