Preventive intervention with latency-aged children of divorce: a replication study

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Intervention Studies
• Family Studies

Background:

• Children of divorce often experience adjustment difficulties.
• Preventive interventions are crucial for supporting at-risk youth.
• The Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) aims to mitigate negative impacts of parental divorce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To replicate the assessment of the efficacy of the school-based Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP).
• To evaluate the impact of CODIP on the adjustment of latency-aged children experiencing parental divorce.

Main Methods:

• A replication study involving 54 children of divorce participating in an 11-session group program (CODIP).
• Adjustment was measured pre- and post-intervention using parent, teacher, self-report, and group leader assessments.
• Comparison group consisted of 78 demographically matched peers from intact families.

Main Results:

• Children of divorce exhibited lower adjustment levels compared to peers from intact families prior to the intervention.
• Following the CODIP intervention, children of divorce showed significant improvements in adjustment.
• Post-intervention adjustment levels for children in the program approached those of children from intact families.

Conclusions:

• Replication data support the efficacy of CODIP as a preventive intervention for children of divorce.
• The program effectively enhances adjustment and coping skills in children affected by parental divorce.
• Further research and development are recommended to refine and expand the program's reach and impact.