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Family functions and children's postdivorce adjustment.
P R Portes1, S C Howell, J H Brown
1Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University of Louisville, Ky.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Family dynamics like roles, behavior control, and involvement significantly impact children's socioemotional adjustment after divorce. Understanding children's reactions and post-divorce conflict is crucial for support.
Area of Science:
- Child psychology
- Family studies
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Divorce significantly impacts family structures and child development.
- Socioemotional adjustment in children of divorced parents is a critical area of research.
- Understanding the nuances of post-divorce family dynamics is essential for child well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key family dynamics associated with socioemotional adjustment in school-aged children of divorced parents.
- To explore the relationship between specific family dimensions and children's psychological outcomes post-divorce.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data concerning school-age children from divorced families.
- Examination of various dimensions of family dynamics, including roles, control, and involvement.
- Assessment of children's responses to divorce and ongoing familial conflict.
Main Results:
- Family roles, behavior control, and affective involvement were strongly linked to children's socioemotional adjustment.
- Children's individual reactions and understanding of the divorce were significant factors.
- The level of post-divorce conflict within the home emerged as a critical predictor of adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Specific family dynamics play a pivotal role in the socioemotional outcomes for children of divorce.
- Parent education and early intervention strategies should address these identified family dimensions and child responses.
- Targeted support can mitigate negative impacts of divorce on children's well-being.