The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experience of an only-child
adolescent’s lived experience of parental divorce. Gestalt field and
phenomenological theory in conjunction with current literature provided an overview
of the theoretical underpinnings pertaining to the study. A qualitative research
approach with a case study of an only-child adolescent dealing with parental divorce
was conducted in an ethical manner by means of two face to face, one-on-one, in
depth interviews.
Two main themes were identified. The first being experienced feelings associated
with grief and bereavement, which revealed feelings of anger in the notion that the
participant’s childhood was lost as a result of the divorce and being caught between
the parental conflicts. The participant seemed to take it upon herself to take care of
those significant to her in fear that she would lose them and that the loss would
continue to be repeated. It was further revealed that when the only-child adolescent
felt a loss of her own identity she in turn felt out of control. The second theme
identified was; experience pressure due to being an only-child. Pressure in being an
only-child was very significant surrounding the participant. The participant shared a
great deal of feelings pertaining to feeling lonely and longing for a sibling. As parents
in divorce situations seem to be focussed on their divorce often the child suffers from
stress and the unrealistic expectations parents often have surrounding their children.
In this study the only-child could not seem to cope with the pressure and in times of
despair made use of coping mechanisms, mainly that of cutting to compensate for
the emotional pain experienced.
The researcher is of the opinion that the study delivered new found awareness into
the only-child adolescent’s lived experience of parental divorce and is in hope that
the new found results are utilised as a platform for further studies about this
vulnerable population. / MSW (Play Therapy), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/14233 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Dorfman, Dayle Hayley |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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