This study investigates the role of social support in women coping with divorce in midÂ
life. Five women were interviewed and a qualitative analysis undertaken, in order to
explore the subjective experience of social support during the period of separation and
divorce, and its effect on post-divorce adjustment. In particular, the usefulness of
formal support groups was examined. It was found that most of the women derived perceived
social support from friends and female family members, as well as from their church membership
and work environment. It appeared that social support facilitated adjustment in several
ways, but most notably in providing esteem support and emotional support which enabled personal
growth. All of the women felt that they had developed a sense of their own identity through
the process of divorce. Support groups were found to be potentially effective in providing
assistance in dealing with emotional issues such as anger and forgiveness, as well as
practical and informational support. Such groups might also provide a temporary community
where divorced women can interact with other people who are experiencing the same things, thereby
freeing them to grieve.
The study illuminated the subjective, often unique experience of separation and divorce;
this emphasises the challenge for support groups to offer support which addresses this
uniqueness. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/15469 |
| Date | 10 1900 |
| Creators | Boon, Christine |
| Contributors | Nieuwoudt, Johannes Martinus |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (v, 97 leaves) |
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