Thesis (M.A.)--York University, 2009. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 46-52). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR51619

Thesis (M. Min.)--Calvary Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri, 1996. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 81-83).

Thesis (M.S.) in Human Development--University of Maine, 2006. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 33-35).

Thesis (M.A.)--Cincinnati Christian Seminary, 1987. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-149).

M.A. / The goals of this study were formulated in response to a need for a culturally sensitive counselling service for children of divorce within the Tsonga culture. The aim of this study was to develop guidelines to be used by counsellors in helping children of divorce within Tsonga culture. The study was undertaken within the framework of the developmental research and utilisation model. The research design integrated exploratory and descriptive methods. Qualitative methods of data gathering and analysis were applied. The study followed three dimensions: an analysis of the effects of divorce on children, cultural context of family and divorce as well as an analysis of a child-centred counselling model. Based on the analysis of the effects of divorce on children within the Tsonga culture, guidelines for culturally sensitive counselling were developed. The most important finding in this study is that culture has a bearing on the way in which divorce will have an effect on children and also that only a counsellor who is sensitive to the children's culture can be successful in counselling them to cope with divorce. The findings of this study cannot be generalised to other cultures, but it is recommended that the guidelines be used by counsellors from different cultural orientations working with children of divorce within Tsonga culture. The study showed that there is a need for culture sensitivity in rendering counselling services to children.

D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology) / Divorce is an international problem that implicates children, affecting their best interests. In the United States of America, education programmes for divorcing and separating parents have been offered for decades. In South Africa the law has made provision for such education programmes. This study concerns the efficacy in a South African context of an already existing education programme for divorcing and separating parents, called Children in the Middle (CIM). This programme is widely used in the United States, has been widely researched, and is based on foundational theory. There are many factors that determine the outcome of divorce for children. There is a need to assist families in order to ensure the most favourable outcome. It is considered to be of the utmost importance to impart information to parents and build their awareness and skills. This research concluded that despite the lack of statistical evidence, the programme had many benefits for the participants, based on the feedback received from them. Parents had become sensitised to their children’s needs. Based on the qualitative data and attendance, it was concluded that psychoeducation at the time of divorce is a much-needed resource for parents in South Africa. Psycho-education for divorcing parents does not replace litigation, mediation or therapy; it should be offered as a mandatory alternative or an addition to the family at the time of divorce and should lead the process. The research has therefore proposed that psycho-education programmes should be mandatory for all divorcing parents regardless of the process that their divorce follows, as although there is no guarantee of outcome, it adds an extra dimension that may lead to a more favourable outcome and that parents are more likely to act in the best interests of their children.

Our study is concerned with the effects of filing for divorce on the behavior of children. We are interested in the adjustment of the child to the changes which occur during separation and divorce, and we maintain the attitude that the lives of children are affected in some way when a marriage or family unit dissolves. A generally accepted belief is that divorce produces negative consequences in the lives of children as shown in their behavior. However, recently a number of studies have suggested that divorce need not be a negative experience, at least to the degree most people feel it is. Factors that influence the effects on children include: the intensity of the conflict between the divorcing partners; the degree to which parents demonstrate concern for the children and help them prepare for the separation; the child’s attachment to the custodial parent; and the level of maturity and general personality characteristics of the child. The primary goal of the study presented here is to determine the extent to which negative behavior changes in children are visible immediately following a divorce. Additionally we wish to describe those changes and determine their frequency. Finally, we wish to relate such changes to certain to certain social variables including economic status and age and sex of the children.

The purpose of this project was to obtain a preliminary description, through study of the legal files, of that group of persons who appear before the Court of Domestic Relations for a reconsideration of the custody decision made initially, at the time of divorce. A sample of 92 cases heard in Mu1tnomah County in 1965 was obtained. A survey of the literature revealed that much of what has been written on the subject of divorce and custody is primarily from a statistical or legalistic standpoint and very little bears directly on the granting or obtaining of custody or the problems encountered by the custodial or non-custodial parents and the children. A reading schedule was developed for the purpose of recording the information in the legal files maintained by the court. The characteristics of the sample group were tallied in an effort to obtain a statistical profile of that group requiring additional court appearances to settle the matter of custody. A number of hypotheses were developed and tested by means of Chi Square. Though this study was limited by the fact that no control group was used and no personal interviews were obtained, it clearly indicates the need for additional research in the area of divorce and custody and suggestions are made for future projects.

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