Professional perspectives on how young female adults cope with loss after marital separation and their psychological readjustment

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to explore from professional perspectives, the coping strategies adopted by young female adults facing loss after marital separation leading to psychological readjustment. The study used a qualitative research design by conducting semi structured interviews with professionals who have had experience in this particular field. Six participants, one psychologist and five psychotherapists agreed to participate in the study. The study utilised thematic analysis as research method to identify patterned professionals’ ideas in relation to this study. Three main themes were identified: 1.Seeking support 2. Processing and Reflection and 3.Establishing way forward. Although general adaptive coping exists, results show that coping with martial separation is a complex dynamic process dependent on multiple factors, making the coping experience highly subjective.