Abstract
D.Litt. et Phil.
The general aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a group intervention programme for adolescents of divorce. The holistic perspective that formed the basis for the group intervention ensured attention to all relevant interacting modalities. The study included a separate, but parallel group programme for custodial parents, aimed at providing relevant information and teaching coping skills. The effect of the programme on emotional adjustment, depression, locus of control and children's beliefs about parental divorce was investigated empirically. Themes that dominated discussions during the adolescent group sessions were identified by qualitative measures. The overall value of the programme as experienced by participants was assessed.
The results revealed that the group of adolescents who received intervention without parental involvement in the parent programme, improved significantly from pre to post intervention on the variables locus of control and emotional adjustment. A notable decrease in symptoms of depression was observed. The subjects whose parents participated in the parental intervention benefited less by.the program~e and did not improve significantly on any of the measures.
Major themes that emerged from the qualitative study were all associated with post divorce life. Themes identified include: losing out on childhood and family life; continuous parental conflict; feelings of responsibility about the welfare of parents; ambivalent feelings towards the father; difficulties in accepting new partners of their parents and uncertainty regarding future relationships.
It is the conclusion of the researcher that an holistic group intervention programme as conducted in this study can contribute towards positive change in adolescents after parental divorce. It is recommended that adolescents should attend group intervention without parental involvement.