Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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A Qualitative Study on Children's Experiences of Parental Divorce and Adaptation to Single-Father Families

자녀가 경험한 부모 이혼과 부자가족으로의 적응에 대한 질적 연구

  • Received : 2015.10.31
  • Accepted : 2015.12.22
  • Published : 2016.02.28
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Abstract

This study explored the processes of parental divorce and adaptation in single-parent families as well as examined how the experience of living in family welfare facilities influences the adaptation process of such families. The research question to achieve the study objective was, "What is the adaption process for a singlefather family, and what influence does living in a single-father family welfare facility have on that process?" Data collection was conducted between June 2013 and April 2014 that included an in-depth interview process and continuous participatory observations on 14 children residing in the facility. The study results were as follows. The theme in a two-parent family period was 'changes in reduction of family: serious conflicts between parents.' Children directly witnessed intense conflicts between parents and experienced anxiety from situations that involved verbal and physical violence during the two-parent family period. The experience of children prior to entering the facility was represented by "loss and confusion experienced." The theme for children of singlefather family in entering a facility was "selecting a realistic alternative." Children's daily activities consisted of being with friends of a similar age, which allowed them to play and support each other in building social skills. The facility departure theme for the children was "hope for a new life."

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References

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