This study was a small survey of three single parent families with ten
children who had experienced separation within the last six months. The
sample was homogenous in so far as each family had been separated for
under six months and the children were of a similar age range and each
family was mother headed. The aims of the study were to explore the
experience of separation for the adults and children by means of interviews
both before and after attending the "After Separation Program" and to find
out whether the experience of attending the Program had an effect upon
intra- familial relationships. While the study could not be said to be large
enough to be representative of all populations of single, newly separated
families in general, some common themes emerged which correspond with
other studies referred to in the literature. These include the sense of loss
children feel with the absence of a parent, the breakdown in generational
boundaries which often accompanies separation and a sense of loneliness
and isolation. From the study identifiable themes emerged and it became
clear that the group experience had made an impact. It would appear that
following attendance of the program appropriate parenting is restored with
mothers' more able to respond to the needs of the children. It was noticeable
that better access arrangements were in place for the children. There was
also an increased understanding of the feelings associated with the
separation process.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219283 |
| Date | January 1996 |
| Creators | Reich, Jenny, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Professional & Community Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Jenny Reich |
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