Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Determinants of personal growth and life satisfaction in divorced adults
Diogo Lamela1, Bárbara Figueiredo2
1HEI-Lab-Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Divorce is a major life event that can trigger sudden changes in how adults perceive themselves and operate in their social environments. Some previous evidence has documented changes in personality in reaction to marital dissolution. However, little is known about the determinants of personality development in the post-divorce period. Guided by the positive personality development model in adulthood, this study examined sociodemographic characteristics, divorce-related variables and personality-related indicators as determinants of life satisfaction and personal growth in divorced adults. Participants included 460 divorced adults who completed self-reported measures regarding sociodemographic characteristics, divorce-related variables and personality development indicators. Results showed that autonomy, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, emotional self-regulation indicators and motivation for personality adjustment goals were associated with post-divorce life satisfaction. Personal growth was associated with purpose in life, self-expansion, psychological mindedness and motivation for personality growth goals. The sociodemographic characteristics and divorce-related variables differently predicted life satisfaction and personal growth. We discussed the implications of the positive personality development model in understanding post-divorce personality adjustment and maturity.
Related Concept Videos
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Relationship Formation
Self-Discrepancy Theory

