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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.

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Divorce is a stressful experience for ndividuals, especially children, who are still in the school age or adolescent development phase. It is often associated with loss, such as the loss of a parent in the home, and in some cases loss of financial stability. The primary aim of this study was to determine what support systems and coping strategies South African children of divorce make use of. The secondary aims were to investigate whether there are any age or gender differences with regard to coping strategies as well as support systems, and to investigate which support systems are perceived to be helpful and why certain support systems are not utilized. The study made use of a cross-sectional design and a sample of 41 South African children. Support systems were measured with a semi-structured questionnaire (Support Systems Questionnaire) that was developed based on a previous study conducted by Braude and Francisco-La Grange (1993). Children’s use of coping strategies was measured with the Children’s Coping Strategies Checklist – 3rd Revision (CCSC-R3). Results indicate that children make use of avoidance coping strategies most often, followed by active coping strategies and support coping strategies. The majority of the children named the mother as the most helpful source of support after the divorce. Findings show certain age and gender differences in the support systems used by the children. Older children (13- to-17-year-old) were more likely to speak to adults other than their parents about the divorce than younger children (8- to- 12-year-old). Girls were more likely than boys to confide in their friends, psychologists and adults other than their parents about the divorce. There were no age or gender differences regarding the three main coping strategies used by the children (active coping, avoidant coping and support coping). There were, however, differences regarding the more specific coping strategies. Younger children were more likely than older children to use wishful thinking as a coping strategy. They also made more use of parents for support for problem solving and support for feelings than did adolescents. All of the children in the sample made some effort to cope with their problems and had some form of support system.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Work

This work is focused on the analysis of divorce rate and the marriage patterns of divorced spouses in the Czech Republic after 1992. The work analyzes changes in the structure of brides and grooms according to their age, education and time elapsed from breakdown of previous marriage. Attention is also paid to differences in the residence, nationality and citizenship of the spouses in the time of the marriage, too. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

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.