Children's problems following parental separation: A differential and longitudinal approach

Author(s): Beelmann, W.

Journal/Book: Z Entwicklungspsychol Padago. 1997; 29: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe-Verlag GmbH & Co. 26-42.

Abstract: This paper studies the consequences of parental separation/divorce for children within the framework of the Cologne Longitudinal Study. Adjustment processes in children, mothers, and fathers were assessed at three waves (10, 25, and 40 months after separation) in a sample of 60 families. Results showed that children's problem scores immediately following separation were much higher than in a control group of intact families, particularly among younger children. However, the longitudinal trend was toward continuous improvement. Beyond this general pattern of change, cluster analysis revealed three different developmental patterns of childhood stress. These were labeled ''highly stressed,'' coping with stress,'' and ''lowly stressed.'' The clusters also revealed correlations between children's adjustment measures and specific risk or protective factors. Alongside the child's individual competencies and socioeconomic background, these particularly referred to the form of parent-child relations and the relationship to the former spouse.

Note: Article SchmidtDenter U, Univ Cologne, Inst Psychol, Richard Wagner Str 39, D-50674 Cologne, GERMANY

Keyword(s): divorce; children's behaviour problems; developmental patterns; risk and protective factors; SEX-DIFFERENCES; DIVORCE; TRANSITIONS; ADJUSTMENT; SUPPORT

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