Children of divorce: ways to heal the wounds

Each year many children experience the trauma of parental divorce. Although postdivorce responses of children vary considerably in intensity and duration, distinct patterns related to developmental stages have been identified. Latency age and early adolescent children are particularly vulnerable to emotional sequelae, as evidenced by lowered self-esteem, declining sense of social competence, and a higher than usual propensity for substance abuse, depression, and suicide. Individual differences in adjustment are related to personal characteristics, qualities of the home and parenting environment, and resources and support systems available to the child; however, research findings suggest that parental conflict is the most significant predictor of long-term adjustment of children postdivorce. Interventions to reduce parental conflict and assist the child have been identified. The clinical nurse specialist can favorably influence adjustment outcome of children by informing divorcing parents of the potential effects of divorce on children and advocating appropriate interventions.