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The major purpose of this research was to test the circumplex model of family functioning as a possible source of variance in children's coping during the transitional period following parental divorce. The dimensions of cohesion (family closeness) and adaptability (family flexibility) theoretically incorporate 14 of the 18 factors identified by previous researchers to be related to more or less effective coping. The remaining four factors were controlled statistically. The sample of 89 single parent, female headed households was drawn from court records of families who had been divorced for two months, one year and two years. The method of sample selection is recommended in future research, since it resulted in a more representative sample than that of previous researchers. Coping among the children (ages 6-16) was measured by the mother's report of problem behaviors (internal and external) and social competency scores on the Achenbach Child Behavior Profile. Family interaction patterns were measured using a modified version of the FACES self report measure. Variables of cohesion, adaptability, time since divorce, income, age and sex were hypothesized to be related to child behavior problems and social competency, using a regression model. Social desirability was controlled statistically. Cohesion explained a statistically significant portion of the variance for problem behaviors, particularly internal problems (i.e., withdrawal, somatic symptoms, anxious behavior). Income was an important contributor to variation with all the coping measures. However, the regression models did not provide support for the moderate versus extreme levels of cohesion and adaptability which had been hypothesized in the circumplex model. But, a Chi Square test of independence, excluding families with high social desirability scores, did provide some support for the continued testing of the circumplex model. A supplemental analysis of other variables was conducted. Family stressors such as moving, parent conflict, mothers' changes in employment and mothers' regularly dating were related to increased difficulties in coping. Enjoyment with visits with father was related to improved coping. Number of changes in child care arrangements and frequency of visits with the father were not related to coping. / Ph. D.

The primary purpose of the study was the design and assessment of an intervention programme that seeks to help children cope with the crisis of divorce. The intervention was named the Kids in Divorce (KID) programme and is a short-term, developmentally appropriate intervention, consisting o f 10 sessions, aimed primarily at helping the pre-adolescent child. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether children receiving the intervention showed significant improvements in their emotional and attitudinal coping responses to divorce, as meausuredby the Family1 Story Test (FST) and the Kids in Divorce (KID) questionnaire (a self-designed measure). A pilot study was done on the KID questionnaire in order to, make the necessary changes, before using the questionnaire'for the study. 3 A total of 42 pupils, from schools in th | Eldoradopark 'coloured' community participated in the study. A pre and post test experimental-iBontrol research design was used in the study, The experimental and control groups consisted of 21 children \ each. \ . J r . Results of the study reflected significant improvements measures for the experimental group, which provides strong'cm pirical^nd^^.for'S'ie usefulness of a short-,erm, children cope with parental divorce.

This study investigates the experiences of children of divorced parents in a primary school, located in the suburb of Durban, Kwazulu Natal. The participants in this study were senior primary school children from divorce backgrounds. This study is located in the qualitative paradigm with case study method employed. Data gathering methods used include Individual interviews and observations to investigate children experiences and the relationship of these experiences to their scholastic performance, social relationship and emotional well-being. The results revealed that children experiences of parental divorce vary from one individual child to another, with some children reacting negatively, and some not so negatively while others were indifferent. In general participants reported experiences of sadness, loneliness, abandonment, self-blame, shock and anger. The participants acknowledged the connections between their experiences of divorce by their parents and their academic performance, social relationship and their general well-being. Participants reported experiencing difficulty with their academic work as the divorce of their parents made them confused and frustrated thus affecting their concentration. The loss of a parent through divorce also created economic difficulty, lack of support, role model and motivation for good academic performance. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

A large body of literature addresses the effects of divorce on children. Only a small part of this literature, however, addresses the effects of divorce on young adult children. This smaller body of literature addresses the emotional effects of divorce, the way adult children of divorce perceive their families of origin, and the intergenerational transmission of divorce hypothesis. The present study examined the nature of the relationship between parental divorce and its effects on the expectations of adults children's own future families.It is hypothesized that the structure of the family of origin plays a significant role in these expectations and that young adults from intact families will differ significantly from young adults from divorced families.One hundred sixty-seven students from a midwestern university participated in this study. Participants completed two versions of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales III (FACES III). These two versions were for (1) the family of origin and (2) the future family. Participants also completed a demographic questionnaire. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) Family structure in the family of origin will predict expectations of young adults' own future familes; (2) Family functioning in the family of origin will predict expectations of young adults' own future families; (3) Family structure and family functioning in the family of origin will be related to each other in predicting the expectations of young adults' own future families.Contrary to expectations, only one of the three hypotheses was supported. Family functioning in the family of origin did predict expectations of family functioning in young adults' future families. This was true of both the cohesion and the adaptability contructs. Family structure did not predict expectations of young adults' own future families. An interaction of family structure and family functioning in the family of origin did not predict expectations of future families above and beyond what the two variables could predict independently. Implications of these findings and limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes survey instruments. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 133-154)

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 87-93).

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1991.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-105).