The Effect Of Divorce On The Wellbeing Of Young Adults

Abstract

Qualitative research design utilizing focus group discussion was adopted for this case study aimed at understanding the effect of divorce on the wellbeing of young adults. Six participants were selected utilizing snowball sampling technique. A tape recorder was used in recording the conversations, field notes were also taken. Data were transcribed and analyzed utilizing content analysis using NVivo software in order to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that divorce has significant effect on adolescents’ well-being with emphasis on social, emotional and intellectual well-being. In relation to social wellbeing, three major themes were found “detachment, difficulty in making and keeping friends and poor socialization skills”. Furthermore, three major themes were also found as the effect of divorce on emotional well-being among adolescents’, “worry, anger and sadness”. Finally, “poor academic performance”, was identified as the effect of divorce on young adult intellectual well-being. Thus, the researchers concludes that divorce have significant effect on young adults wellbeing. Therefore the researchers recommended that psychologists, religious leaders and marriage counsellors should counsel intending couples before and after marriage to enable them overcome possible marital challenges that can lead to divorce. Couples should be psycho-educated on the effect of divorce on their children.