Abstract
M.A.
The literature research focuses on the psycho-emotional impact of divorce, with
reference to the primary school development life stage of the child. Of all age
groups, Lakebrink (1989:327) found that the primary school child feels the most
intense sense of sadness during the divorce process, due to the use of denial
and fantasy, suffering without a means to relieve it, inability to sublimate feelings
and an appearance of immobilisation. Children in this age group are particularly
vulnerable to continuous parental conflict, have an intense need to maintain a
constructive relationship with both parents and become pawns of co-parental
struggle, and are vulnerable to loyalty ambivalence.
The rationale for conducting the study and the aims to be achieved, are
elaborated in the first section of this chapter. The remainder of the chapter is
devoted to the introductory information to the study, namely, problem
formulation, aims and objectives, research methodology, conceptualisation and
summary of this chapter of the study. An overview of the structure and
presentation of the study is also included.