Preschool age children, divorce and adjustment: a case study in Greek kindergarten

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this research, which was carried out in 2010, is the comparative study of the psychosocial adjustment of preschool children from divorced and nuclear families in the nursery school.Method. The sample of the study consisted of 60 students (mean age = 5.21), 30 preschool children of divorced parents and 30 preschool children from nuclear families that are enrolled in public kinder-gartens. The Preschool teachers of the students were interviewed and answered questions with regard to children‟s school adaptation. Moreover, children drew an imaginary family in the frame of test of family.Results. The results showed that both groups do not differ as to the general school adjustment, social skills and school performance, but there were significant correlations between the quality of interpersonal relationships and school performance, and the form of the family and the emergence of emotional and / or behavior problems. Finally, the analysis of children's drawings showed significant differentiations between the two groups of the sample at hand.Discussion. The results of the present study confirm the value of children‟s drawing and especially of the family test as a diagnostic and evaluative tool of the power of the interfamilial relations and representations that the child has shaped about his/her family. The contemporary kindergarten, which primarily aims at children‟s cognitive, social and emotional development, can support these children, who, at such tender age, face difficult situations in life. Constant work and effort are required to improve the work of preschool teachers, the upgrading of preschool educational programs and the provision of help to as many children as possible, regardless of conditions and circumstances. Kindergarten and primary school could offer „abilities rather than disabilities‟ to children of all social classes and family background, as we should not forget that children‟s adaptation and success in school are closely related to their social and emotional wellbeing.