A study of the experience of young adult children of separation

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the subjective experience of young adults whose parents are separated. Using a qualitative phenomenological study their psychological well-being and their adjustment to the tasks of young adulthood are investigated to see if they are affected by the experience of their parents' separation. This study revealed that although the participants feel that they have gained strength, independence and maturity from their experiences they do still have lingering distress which stems from their parental divorce. This is mainly caused by the poor quality of their parental relationships, their painful memories of the separation and their childhood and their worries about the future. Their developmental task adjustment is also affected negatively. They suffer from a fear of intimacy and inadequate differentiation from their parents. Conflict between parents seemed to aggravate their maladjustment. Recommendations for services as well as ideas about future studies are suggested.