What behavioral response might a child demonstrate when coping with their parent's divorce in an unhealthy manner?

When coping with a parent's divorce, a child may exhibit physical symptoms such as headaches as a manifestation of emotional distress. This reflects how psychological conflicts or stress can often translate into physical health complaints, a phenomenon often referred to as somatic symptoms. In the context of a divorce, the child may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to process their emotions adequately, leading to physical manifestations of their emotional turmoil.

This behavioral response highlights the child's inability to cope in a healthy way, as they may not have the tools or support to express their feelings verbally or constructively. Instead of finding ways to communicate their feelings or engage positively, they may internalize their distress, leading to psychosomatic issues such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue. Recognizing these symptoms can be critical for caregivers and mental health professionals to provide appropriate support and intervention for the child.