His lack of self worth interfered with every aspect of his life. He was afraid to make friends. He was afraid to od well in school. He was even afraid to get too close to his mother. If his father did not care, if his father left him, others would too.
Some children worry about being abandoned by the caretaking parent.
This is another reasonwhy children do not talk to their parents about their feelings. If I tell her how sad I am, she will get madder. Then she might leave me too. Children are afraid to say or do anything that will alienate or provoke their parents for fear that both may leave. Anger and aggression are typical reactions to divorce.