Exploring the Consequence of Divorce on Children and Their Coping Strategies, the Case of Selected Woreda in Yeka Sub-City,
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Divorce can have a significant consequence on young children, emotionally distressing them and introducing drastic changes to their lives. A qualitative study, using an explorative, descriptive, and contextual paradigm, was conducted to explore and describe the consequences of divorce on children of divorced parents. Participants were children of divorced parents aged 14-18 years, as well as school psychologists, principals, and teachers from elementary and high schools. Purposive sampling was used, and the researcher employed a thematic qualitative analysis approach, specifically narrative method. The results of the study showed that the main repercussions of divorce on children in post-divorce situations are economic, social, and psychological difficulties. The children's coping mechanisms following their parents' divorce were family support, social capital, governmental and non-governmental assistance, and children engaging in self-employment activities. The main negative effects of divorce on children in post-divorce situations were financial hardship, social consequences, psychological issues, and educational difficulties. Both male and female children experienced physical stress after their parents' divorce, but for different reasons: female children due to the weight of household responsibilities, and male children due to the outside work load. The researcher encourages parents to consider the impact of divorce on their children before making a decision to divorce. Governmental and non-governmental organizations should facilitate the placement of psychologists in primary and secondary schools to support and address the psychological impacts of divorce on children. Further research on this topic is encouraged.
Key words: Divorce, children, consequences, coping mechanisms
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Keywords
Divorce, children, consequences, coping mechanisms