Facilitating Postdivorce Adjustment Among Women:

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of communication skills training on adjustment to divorce and separation among women. Divorcees in the experimental group (N = 13) received 15 hours of training in interpersonal communication skills, along with didactic information regarding various aspects of the postdivorce adjustment process. Divorcees in the control group (N = 15) received no treatment. Results indicated that the experimental group, relative to the control group, significantly increased in overall divorce adjustment and in empathy skills. Although the experimental group, relative to the control group, showed some increase in selfesteem, the results were not conclusive. No significant differences were found between the experimental group and the control group in either perceived social support or selfdisclosure skill. Discussion centered on the advantages of structured skills training as a strategy for intervention in the postdivorce adjustment process.