Divorce Process Research Articles

The Child Adjustment Inventory

Children's adjustment to the early phase of the divorce process is examined in the context of the development of a new instrument that is designed for assessment with this population. The Child's Divorce Adjustment Inventory (CDAI) assesses children's adjustment to divorce and family functioning, from the child's perspective, at the time of divorce. This study examines divorce adjustment via each of the four factors of the CDAI, reporting significant relationships with separate measures of self-esteem and parent report of family adjustment following divorce. Child maladjustment/Conflict scale scores predict lower self-esteem while social support scale scores predict the opposite. Divorce resolution scale scores predict a decrease in behavior problems. The information gained from reviewing this inventory indicates that the CDAI is a useful tool in determining adjustment levels of grade school through high school children of divorcing parents. The study provides a description of gender and age differences in adjustment during the pre-divorce period.

Change, disengagement, and renewal: relationship dynamics between young adults and their fathers after divorce.

Little is known about children's perceptions of their parents' divorce or how children construct meaning around the divorce and their subsequent relationships with their parents. The focus of this study was to learn about the experiences and the meanings young adults had constructed about the divorce process and their relationships with their fathers in the years after the divorce. The findings revealed a broad spectrum of experiences and several key issues that gave meaning to both the disengagement and the reengagement with their fathers. Loss, trust, acceptance, availability, and support are a few of the vital issues addressed. Implications for family therapists are discussed.

Children of Divorcing Families: A Clinical Perspective

This article describes a project based on a service provided to families going through the divorce process and its aftermath. As divorce figures increase, a growing proportion of children will experience its effects and some will have that experience more than once. If present trends continue, one in four children will experience the divorce of their parents before they reach the age of 16. Research in this field is relatively recent and the evidence is controversial. Some studies conclude that children of divorce do worse than those in intact families in several aspects of their development. Other studies suggest that it is the combination of divorce with other factors that makes a difference in terms of children’s development. The model described includes interviewing children and parents separately as well as offering family interviews. Particular attention is paid to the children’s perspective as our clinical experience shows that in the acute aftermath of divorce, there is a conflict between the parents’ own needs and their ability to think about the children’s needs. Issues emerging from the interviews, such as the loyalty bind in which children often find themselves and the need for a coherent story of the parents’ separation, are discussed. Clinical examples illustrate a way of working towards a more cooperative method of parenting in order to meet the needs of the children.

Conceptual and empirical issues in child custody evaluations.

Mental health professionals evaluate families involved in custody disputes in order to provide information and make placement or visitation recommendations. This article explores the value, theoretical, empirical, and measurement issues in child custody evaluations. We conclude that (1) value issues need to be explicated, (2) theories need to be developed so that relevant variables are specified and their relationships to outcome states are hypothesized, (3) further longitudinal research on the adjustment process of divorce needs to be conducted, and (4) valid assessment strategies need to be developed to assess relevant constructs. Given the state of knowledge in each of these problem areas, we argue that currently mental health professionals may have little accurate Information or warranted recommendations to offer.

Processes of Organizational Divorce and Job Transition

The relationship between individuals and organizations becomes particularly apparent in transitional processes when people leave or enter organizations. Qualitative studies of person-organization separation processes in particular provide us with insights in human thoughts, emotions and actions vis-à-vis work organizations. Through the presentation of 10 cases of person-organization separation, central aspects of organizational affiliation and separation processes are explored. In conclusion, the processes of organizational and marital divorce are compared.

Divorcing Parents: Guidelines for Promoting Children's Adjustment

ABSTRACT Research findings show that many children who experience parental divorce manifest a variety of short-and long-term adjustment problems. Additionally, the literature identifies factors such as parental conflict and disruption of daily routines that can exacerbate these problems. However, there are measures parents can take to help their children through the often distressing process of parental divorce. In the present paper, the empirical literature regarding issues/factors relevant to children's adjustment to divorce is described. Based on the reviewed literature, practical guidelines and suggestions, likely to help parents enhance their children's adjustment are provided.

The Impact of an Educational Seminar for Divorcing Parents

Summary With a sustained large number of divorces in the U.S. over the last two decades, various educational interventions have been developed for families of divorce. Children Cope With Divorce is a parent education seminar that aims to provide divorcing parents with information and resources that will help them decrease the negative effects of the divorce process on their children. Within divorce proceedings, family court judges are important observers of the impact of such parent education seminars. A national survey of judges who have referred divorcing parents to the seminar was conducted. The survey method is discussed and the responding judges' views of the effectiveness of Children Cope With Divorce are presented.

The Relation of State-Anger to Self-Esteem, Perceptions of Family Structure and Attributions of Responsibility for Divorce of Custodial Mothers in the Stabilization Phase of the Divorce Process

Summary Research shows that divorced women usually experience high levels of anger even several years past the divorce event. The present research investigates the long-term influence of custodial mother's State-Anger (S-Anger, Spielberger, 1988) on divorced mothers' personal adjustment as measured in their ratings of self-esteem, perceptions of cohesion and adaptability, and their attributions of responsibility for the divorce. S-Anger was chosen as the main independent variable in the present study since it is a situational variable that reflects more accurately the stressors of the postdivorce situation for divorced mothers such as increased parental responsibility, work overload and diminished quality of life due to lowered socioeconom-ic status. Mothers' S-Anger was found to be inversely related to their ratings of self-esteem, perceptions of cohesion and adaptability, as well as to attributions of personal responsibility for the divorce. Theoretical, research and interventive implications are discussed.

Parental Narcissism and the Disengagement of the Non-Custodial Father After Divorce

This paper argues that dominant narcissistic tendencies may keep certain non-custodial fathers from maintaining stable relationships with their children after divorce. It identifies the common characteristics and behaviors of the narcissistic non-custodial father to show the special difficulties he faces in the divorce process. Its main contention, made on the basis of the literature and with the help of two case descriptions, is that divorce and loss of custody pose a special threat to the narcissist's weak self and that the narcissistic father's post-divorce litigation and disengagement both stem from his driving need to maintain the “grandiose self” that protects his vulnerable and fragile core. Furthermore, the paper suggests that the family therapy framework cannot meet the needs of the narcissistic non-custodial father in the post divorce period. It urges that family care professionals be taught to recognize the common behaviors of narcissistic non-custodial fathers in relation to both their children and the helping professionals they consult and be made aware of the strong counter-transference feelings that such clients may evoke in them. It argues, too, that the focus of the treatment be moved to the mother and, especially, the children.

Painful partings: divorce and its aftermath

WHAT PRECEDES THE PARTING? A Family Systems Framework and Life-Cycle Perspective. STAGES AND PHASES OF THE SEPARATION AND DIVORCE PROCESS. Separation and Divorce: An Overview. Individual Differences and Their Impact on Resolution. Therapeutic Issues and Interventions During the Divorce Process. The Legal Aspects of Divorce. The Economic Issues in Divorce. Parenting and Child Custody Issues. Spiritual and Religious Aspects of Divorce. CONSEQUENCES OF DIVORCE: THE COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DIVORCE. An Overview of the Aftermath. Effects of Divorce on the Children. Getting on with Life. THE PSYCHIC DIVORCE: HEALING AND CLOSURE. Toward Integration and Wholeness. Appendices. References. Indexes.

Violence against ex‐wives: Anger and advocacy

Researchers on violence against women have failed to reveal any studies that provide definitive explanations for the violent behaviors of certain males. However, violence against women has been known to occur as a result of unusually potent situational stressors, regardless of the male's propensity toward violence. Some of these situational stressors occur during the process of marital separation and divorce, particularly in relation to disputes over child custody, support, and access. In this paper I report on a second‐level analysis of a set of studies in Australia aimed at examining the experience of separating parents who did not gain custody of their children. One of the dominant themes that emerged in the initial analysis from the male cohort was the real or vicarious violence that pervaded the men's interactions with their ex‐spouses. These men, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and age groups, freely discussed episodes in which they had either planned, executed, or fantasized about violence against their spouses in retaliation for real or perceived injustices related to child custody, support, and/or access. In many cases, these thoughts and actions were reinforced by the encouragement of other males. To a lesser extent, women also reported violent inclinations induced by the situation. The implications for those advocating for women and families are clear. There is a need to understand the experience of marital separation from the perspective of both spouses as a basis for family counseling. We must also heighten awareness of the need to educate young people away from an “ownership” model of marriage and relationships, which is counterproductive to the personal development of both partners. Equally important is the need for all health professionals to advocate for changes that would help to correct injustices in the family court system, many of which are related to gender issues.

Gender and Age Differences in Child Adjustment to Parental Separation

The present study examined gender and age differences in adjustment among children whose parents have separated. Measures designed specifically to assess family functioning during the divorce process (the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised, and Child Divorce Adjustment Inventory), along with a measure of self-esteem and interviews with children, provide an in-depth exploration of the experience of families during the transitional period of separation. Results indicate that (1) parents of girls reported higher resolution of the separation, (2) high self-esteem for girls was mediated by residential parents' high socioeconomic status, (3) older children exhibited higher adjustment than younger children, and (4) father-headed families indicated higher adjustment before and after separation. Using a model of divorce as a process, results are discussed in relation to findings from studies of post-divorce and pre-separation families to provide a more complete picture of the divorce experience and child adjustment to that experience.

"Broken Glass": the divorced woman in Moslem Arab society in Israel.

This article presents the findings of a preliminary, qualitative, exploratory study of divorce in Israeli-Arab society from the perspectives of divorced women living in Jaffa, Israel, and of Arab professionals engaged in therapeutic work. It explores the causes of divorce, the women's coping with the divorce process, and what constitutes post-divorce adjustment, based on the experiences of nine divorced Moslem Arab women and the input of six Arab professionals. The women attributed their divorces to extreme external factors: their husband's substance abuse, mental illness, and/or severe physical violence against them, as well as to interference by their husband's family of origin. They told of coping by relying on their inner resources and the strength their children gave them, while their own families of origin were almost uniformly critical and rejecting. They defined post-divorce adjustment as passing the test of female honor posed by their community, which they did by downplaying their femininity and immersing themselves in housework and childcare. The findings were compared with the research and clinical knowledge that has accumulated on divorce in Western society.

Marriage and Divorce in Japan

This paper investigates the current nature of the institution of marriage and the practice of divorce in Japan with reference to historical trends and shows a special concern for legal and ethical issues affecting the status of the custodial parent and the serious matter of support. Attention is drawn to the generalized outcome of the divorce process in Japan and the need for reform.

Broadening the scope of divorce mediation to meet the needs of children

AbstractDivorce mediation has made advancements in the divorce process. Divorcing couples are now faced with an option that empowers and supports them during and after the divorce. Nearly one million children are affected by divorce each year. These children are unable to speak for themselves. Parents are prone to inaccurately assess their children's needs during a divorce. They often feel overwhelmed and focus on themselves. They may even use their children to this end. The authors want mediators to broaden the scope of divorce mediation to include a child assessment. It will serve as an objective tool that will give the divorcing couple vital information to help them make informed decisions. It will protect their most important assets, their children.

Impact of Kids First Seminar for Divorcing Parents

Parents who participated in Kids First, Inc., a court-mandated seminar designed to help them understand their children's needs during the divorce process, were contacted for a three-year follow- up to assess the impact of the program. The program was also studied by observing the seminar at two different times, and by interviewing key personnel responsible for its implementation. Preliminary results indicate that the program does have the desired impact. The program mission-to give divorcing parents information about how the divorce process affects children and what they can do to minimize their children's pain-seems to be well understood by the program presenters, referring judges, and by the parents themselves after intervention. Findings and methodological problems of the research are presented.

Why Therapy is Not in the Client's Best Interest

Divorce is well known to be a long-term, somewhat predictable process of many crisis points (Gray et al., 1991; Herz Brown, 1988; Wallerstein, 1986). Divorce is both a psychological and a legal process. The two processes traditionally have been treated very separately, yet they are in constant interaction. Although most literature supports the theory of psychological stages of divorce, a model of intervention adaptive to these stages has not been proposed. This article offers an appropriate model of intervention, called the expert-consultant model. This model is based theoretically on object relations theory and temporally on both the psychological and legal processes of divorce. It offers flexibility and consistency to both therapist and client-two essential needs during such crises.

For Richer, For Poorer: Mothers Confront Divorce.

For Richer, For Poorer provides a new perspective on the impact of divorce on women. Based on interviews with a random sample of divorced mothers, this book identifies their real concerns: inadequate resources from their ex-husbands and the state, and unequal social policies. Presenting accounts of how they manage the divorce process, divorced women of diverse background describe their attempts to rebuild their own lives and those of their families. Demie Kurz proposes a reversal of policies which penalize the single-parent family by failing to provide mothers and children with adequate resources.

Identity Relevance and Disruption as Predictors of Psychological Distress for Widowed and Divorced Women

By using measures of identity relevance and identity disruption, we examined differences and similarities in the adjustment process for women who lost a spouse through death or divorce. We expected widowhood would be more disruptive of identity and more distressing than divorce. Based on work by Thoits (1991) and Burke (1991), we predicted higher psychological distress in both groups for women who had higher subjective evaluations of their (ex)husbands, for women who had higher identity relevance or salience of a coupled identity, and for women who had experienced higher levels of identity disruption. The sample consisted of 173 widowed and 156 divorced women matched on age, race, and median income of census tract of residence. Widowhood was more distressing and disruptive than divorce. However, multisample path analysis indicated that the adjustment process was also similar for both groups in terms of the impact of the identity process on psychological distress. Key Words: divorce, identity theory, marital separation, psychological distress, stress theory, widowhood. Theoretical comparisons of the similarities between adjusting to the death of a spouse and to divorce have been made for more than 60 years. These comparisons are based upon potential similarities between these groups, including each group's need to adjust to the loss of a partner, to reconstruct role relationships, and to adjust to changes in lifestyle (Blau, 1973; Bohannan, 1970; Goode, 1956, 1982; Parkes, 1986; Waller, 1930/1967; Weiss, 1975, 1976, 1993). Few studies have actually investigated similarities (Gove & Shin, 1989; Kitson & Roach, 1989; Kitson & Zyzanski, 1987; Morgan, 1989; O'Bryant & Straw, 1991; Petiet, 1982), in part, because of the large difference in the median age at widowhood and divorce that could account for any observed differences. Beyond similarities and differences in the experiences of the widowed and divorced, all loss has the potential to be a painful and stressful human experience, with deeply felt loss intrinsically linked to the disruption of a sense of personal identity (Parkes, 1986; Simos, 1979; Weigart & Hastings, 1977). After a loss, one has to reconstruct a new sense of self and undergo an identity transition. This article focuses on both the psychological effects of spousal loss, as well as on the process or means by which such outcomes occur. The disentanglement of process from outcome enables us to more thoroughly examine the extent to which the death of a spouse differs from the loss of a spouse through divorce. To make these comparisons, the design of our study utilizes a longitudinal sample of widowed and divorced women matched on age, race, median income of census tract of residence, and the time of entry into the widowed or divorced status. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES IN Loss AND IDENTITY When comparing spousal loss, clinicians and researchers have labeled responses to divorce and to the death of a spouse processes (Rosenstock, Rosenstock, & Weiner, 1988; Simos, 1979; Weiss, 1993; Wiseman, 1975). Divorce is similar to the death of a spouse in terms of an object loss, that is, the loss of the partner and the marital relationship. The divorce process can be similar because it entails severing the bonds of attachment produced in a long-term primary relationship (Kitson, 1992; Parkes, 1986; Weiss, 1975,1976, 1993). However, the process of divorce can be different from widowhood because of the potential for continued interaction with the ex-spouse and the varying degrees of antipathy felt toward the expartners (Chiriboga, Catron, & Associates, 1991; Jacobson, 1983). For example, the completion of the bereavement process may be more problematic for a divorced person who continues to interact with their former spouse. Another difference is that a divorced person potentially has more choice in the ending of a marriage, whereas a widowed person does not. …

Is Marriage Dissolution Linked to Differences in Mortality Risks for Men and Women?

Is marriage dissolution linked to differences in mortality risks for men and women? This study based on 44000 deaths in Sweden analyzes the impact of the event of marriage dissolution on subsequent mortality using sex-specific intensity regression models. The results show an excess mortality among people who are remarried and cohabiting especially among women and provide evidence for a long-term causal relationship between marriage dissolution and mortality. The results also show that there is a narrower gender mortality difference than expected when work status and number of children are taken into consideration and that women who are not employed as well as unskilled male workers are in particularly vulnerable situations at divorce. Aspects of the divorce process selection protection and stress factors may be responsible for the outcome. (EXCERPT)