The emotional and psychological effects of child kidnapping on victimized children
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Authors
Karu, Lilia Lopez
Issue Date
1985
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This pilot study was designed to identify the emotional and psychological effects of parental kidnapping on victimized children. Using the case study method, this researcher discovered, among other findings, that the act resulted in profound feelings of parental deprivation or abandonment on the part of the participants. These feelings produced neurotic symptoms such as depression and separation anxiety. Parental kidnapping also resulted in manifold fears, such as the fear of being alone and of meeting people, and manifold insecurities, such as low self-esteem. Recommendations include counseling and psychotherapy, not only for the victimized children, but also for the perpetrating parents as well. Since this is a pilot study, it also recommends that follow-up research be conducted to determine if the symptoms manifested by the participants have abated or if some latent effects have appeared.