Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
This study explores the experience of parents who were involved in child custody disputes. In order to shed light on the phenomenon under review, an investigation of existing research literature was undertaken. The review comprises an overview of theoretical approaches to child custody and the various factors which play a role in the experience. These include an examination of factors surrounding the custody, emotional factors and coping skills. A further focus of the review is on the process of meaning making. The review explores the legal issues of child custody in South Africa and the role of the psychologist working in a forensic setting.
The focus of the study is on the world of the lived experience as it is interpreted by participants in order to produce an understanding of the participants’ experience. Hence the study is sited within a phenomenological framework. Six participants were interviewed with the intention to act as informants who are able to give rich and abundant descriptions of their experience. All participants have been involved in disputes regarding the custody of their children. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. An interwoven analysis was presented in order to identify the themes and experiences of such disputes which emerged from the transcripts. An attempt was made to understand how the various phenomena relating to experience of disputed child custody as well as the role of the psychologist were reflected by participants in the interviews. Finally the study presents a reflection on the experience of the researcher. An evaluation comprising the strengths and limitations of the study as well recommendations for future research is further presented. The unique contribution to the field of psychology is also addressed.