Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, 1987. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 175-178).

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).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, 1987. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 175-178).

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

The present research explores the process of coming to terms with the decision to divorce. The research was conducted with 20 women of North-American culture, divorced or separated a minimum of six months with no thought of reconciliation. The methodology employed retrospective accounts. A semi-structured interview using the critical incident technique pioneered by Flanagan (1954) was used to gather data. The subjects were asked to describe specific incidents which prompted them to reassess their marriage and eventually decide to separate or divorce. They were also asked to describe incidents which made it more difficult to come to that decision. A total of 175 incidents were collected illustrating a range of experiences which either precipitated or hindered the decision to separate or divorce. Using an inductive method of analysis, the data was organized in a classification schema consisting of three superordinate categories - feelings, cognitions, behaviours - and 33 subcategories. In addition, a summary of the marital problems highlighted in the critical incidents is provided, with examples of the marital dynamics involved. Finally, a four-stage model outlining the process of coming to terms with the decision to divorce was derived from the category system. The model focuses on the intrapsychic dynamics of the subjects in the decision-making process. The labels given to these stages are disillusionment, ambivalence, cognitive restructuring, and resolution. The findings of the present research are compared and contrasted to those of social exchange theorists (Albrecht & Kunz, 1980; Levinger, 1965), stage theorists (Duck, 1982; Kaslow, 1981; Ponzetti & Cate, 1988; Vaughan, 1979), and grief theorists (Crosby, Gage & Raymond, 1983, 1986; Wiseman, 1975). The issues raised in the present research are discussed from a gender role perspective, in light of the theories of Attanucci (1988), Eichenbaum and Orbach (1983), Gilligan (1982), Goodrich, Rampage, Ellman and Halstead (1988), Herman (1977), Lerner (1977), Miller (1976; 1983; 1984; 1986) and Rubin (1983). In conclusion, the category system and model delineated in the present research offer a comprehensive set of experiences of what facilitates and hinders the decision to divorce. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

This thesis aims to assess the supporting role social networks provide to divorced Saudi women who face after divorce challenges. After reviewing the impact that online social networks have on Saudi society and the legal context of divorce in Saudi Arabia, this study explores key issues faced by divorced Saudi women using a qualitative approach. Upon reviewing the limited amounts of literature and following two methodological phases, the key findings are: (1) identifications of primary challenges faced by divorced Saudi women namely; social, economic, psychological, and legal issues; (2) extraction of themes based on each identified issue, leading to the identification of four qualitative models; and (3) assessment of the supporting role social networks have in the identified themes of each issue.

No description available.

No description available.

Divorce is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in American society. Its occurrence is increasing both in absolute and relative numbers, and also in its involvement of minor children. As will be demonstrated below, very little is actually known about the process of divorce or about its impact on the members of the family. Of particular concern is the effect of divorce on the children invo1ved, and the decisions and practice of the divorcing parents regarding their subsequent parenting relationship to the children. The authors of this report intend to study a random sample of divorcing couples and to derive a descriptive analysis of their perceptions of the proper role of the noncustodial parent (usually the father) in regard to the child rearing process following separation and divorce. We will work with that portion of available data for which we have information from both parents in the divorcing family. Particular attention will be paid to issues of congruence or noncongruence in perceptions between the two members of the coparental couple (including each member's judgement of his/ her partner's perceptions of the issues. We believe that the ability of the divorcing parents to provide a stable and cooperative relationship in their parental roles is very important for the children to be assisted in adjusting to the divorce. Given this assumption the extent of congruence or noncongruence in the perceptions of the parents about the role of the noncustodial parent in postdivorce child rearing may be very important in determining the degree of cooperation between them and the subsequent ease of adjustment of the children to the new family role relationships. Our data will be taken from questionnaires and oral interviews with a random sample of divorcing couples, administered very soon after the official filing for the divorce. Longitudinal studies are planned to follow the subjects through the divorce process for as long as eighteen months after filing. These subsequent studies will not be reported here.