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

Divorce affects approximately four out of ten marriages in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2001). Most researchers and clinicians agree that parental divorce and the ensuing process of a family's restructuring is a very stressful time for everyone, especially children. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the research on the effects of divorce has largely focused on how it impacts upon them (Amato, 2001). And while research, albeit to a lesser degree, has explored the impact of divorce on mothers (Demo & Acock, 1996) little attention has been given to the experience of fathers (Nielsen, 1999). Joint custody is awarded in approximately 40% of settlements; however, mothers are typically given primary care and residence (Statistics Canada, 2001) with fathers restricted to two weekend "visits" every month (Fathers 4 Justice, 2004). Over time this amount drops to where many fathers end up seeing very little of their children. For some contact is lost altogether. Just how many lose contact altogether is unknown, but it is suggestive that their numbers may be significant (Nielsen, 1999). How they are affected by that loss of contact is largely unknown as research into the experience of such fathers is missing. Given most parents would agree that losing one's child is perhaps one of the worst things that could happen to them, research into this experience is warranted. This study is an investigation of the lived experiences of fathers who have lost contact with their children. Four such fathers were interviewed. Through a hermeneutical process of "mindful-reflective" listening thirteen salient themes emerged from their stories and are conveyed to the reader. In particular, the concept of "becoming childless" is introduced as a way of understanding how these fathers dealt with the long-term consequences of losing contact with their children. Implications for further research and social change regarding fathers' rights are addressed.

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

Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-172).

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).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes survey instruments. Includes bibliographic references (ℓ. 133-154) Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-172).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-172).