Reports the findings of a study designed to provide an in-depth analysis of the postseparation period. Data revealed two separate but overlapping adjustments--to the dissolution of the marriage, and to setting up a new life-style. Four hypotheses were also examined. (Author)

Surveyed 157 divorced parents to assess phases of emotional adjustment following divorce. Findings provided no evidence to suggest that particular dimensions of emotional adjustment represent challenges unique to particular stages of divorce. The intensity and the duration of emotional challenges were affected by a number of intervening variables.…

Compared grief or adjustment in 114 divorced adults who have remarried or remained single, including males without live-in children, females with children, and females without children. The Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale and the Personal Orientation Inventory indicated no significant differences among the groups. (JAC)

Discusses results of an exploratory study that identified clusters of often unexpressed questions, ideas and feelings of latency age children from divorcing families. Data were gathered by analyzing letters written by 46 children participating in divorce adjustment groups. Significant differences in expressed themes emerged between boys and girls,…

Explored the impact of custodial arrangement on the adjustment of recently divorced fathers. Indicated that divorced fathers with custody exhibited less depression and anxiety and fewer problems in general adjustment than those without custody. Results highlight the importance of the children's presence as a facilitative, stabilizing factor in…

Presents role adjustment at the familial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal levels as a primary influence on the effects and adjustment to divorce for spouses and children. Reviews related research and presents a model of postdivorce family adjustment that may be useful for family specialists. (BH)

Tested whether self-concept and adjustment of separated or divorced individuals (N=64) could be enhanced by group counseling. Data showed individuals in either a structured or unstructured group had greater improvement in adjustment than individuals who dropped out. No significant differences in improvement in self-concept were noted. (JAC)

Deals with the marital dynamics characteristics of the period immediately prior to a decision to divorce. The concept of a marital Point of No-Return (N/R) is introduced. Guidelines for working with the concept are presented. (Author)

Compares several models of the divorce process and the implications of each for counseling. A unification of the concomitant implications is provided to assist the helping professions to understand the processes and problems associated with divorce. (Author)

Psychological well-being was explored in a sample of 309 newly separated men and women aged 20-79. Consistent with hypothesized differences, the men were significantly less happy than the women, and older respondents reported greater unhappiness than the younger. (Author)

Interviewed 143 newly separated persons to examine the relationship between sex-role orientation and adjustment. In women, high family orientation, and to a lesser extent, low self orientation were associated with poor postseparation adjustment. In men, however, the concept is poorly elaborated and not yet adequately assessed. (JAC)

Compares grief in divorce to the Kubler-Ross model of grief resolution in bereavement in 17 persons who wrote essays about their divorce. The results suggested a conceptual model based on three chronological stages with linear progression through the stages, characterized by circularity within each stage. (JAC)

Presents a description and consumer-based evaluation of a predivorce workshop. Highlighted are the concerns of the divorcing individuals, the approaches taken by the workshop staff, and the resulting evaluations made by the workshop participants. A follow-up study is included. (Author)

Developed and validated an instrument that assesses five dimensions of single parenting: problem solving skills, parental warmth, discipline procedures, parent rules, enthusiasm for parenting and parent support systems. Results gave statistical support for the Single Parenting Questionnaire, suggesting it may be useful in both clinical and…

Describes rituals currently in use which facilitate the psycho-social transitions of a divorcing pair and their family. Suggests new practices which may enable a healthy, adaptive response to these life changes, while maintaining the integrity of the family. (Author/JAC)