The effects of childhood traumas on adult divorce adjustment
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Authors
Valiton, Karen
Issue Date
1988
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between adult divorce adjustment and four major childhood traumas. It was hypothesized that those divorced adults who had lost a parent through death or divorce, who had been physically or sexually abused by a parent, or had grown up in an alcoholic family system before the age of twelve would have more difficulty adjusting to their own divorce than those who had not experienced these traumas. Their difficulties in adjustment might be manifested by psychiatric symptomatology and an inability to begin or sustain new relationships with the opposite sex. Thirty-one participants were given questionnaires to elicit answers concerning their childhood and marital relationships as well as their post-separation/divorce adjustment. Six participants were also interviewed about a specific childhood trauma. The hypothesis in terms of developing new relationships with a member of the opposite sex was confirmed. Only one of the thirty-one respondents indicated being involved in a new long-term relationship. The findings did not support the hypothesis of psychiatric symptomatology as expected, but respondents did experience other types of emotional conflict and distress.