Psy 311: Family

Costs of Divorce1) NEGATIVES: (Societal stigma) Loss of a parent or parenting unit

Psy 311: Family

Costs of Divorce1) NEGATIVES: Host of potential problems

– Family conflict– Stressed out parents– Fewer parenting resources– Change, disruption, confusion– Loss of confidence in relationships

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Divorce Short-term: Very hard on children

– School, acting out at home, peers– Peaks at one year– Boys may be more affected than girls

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Divorce1) NEGATIVES: Long-term: Much recovery; effects smaller

but still there.– Lower school achievement– More psychological problems

• Boys: externalizing• Girls: internalizing

– May be permanent– Girls more affected by remarriage

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Divorce (cont)

2) POSITIVES: End to parental conflict Can promote independence

Psy 311: Family

How does divorce affect children?

It depends Many factors influence how a

child adapts to divorce.

Psy 311: Family

Influencing Factors

1. Adequate financial support 2. Adequate parenting by custodial parent

– Warm, consistent, respectful 3. Emotional support from the non-

custodial parent– Affectionate contact with both parents– Protected from any parental conflict

Psy 311: Family

Influencing Factors (cont.)

4. Additional social support– Children: friends, support-groups– Parents: friends, family

5. Minimum additional stressors– Moving, changing schools, losing contact

with grandparents, etc.

Psy 311: Family

Most Important Factor

Quality of relationship with the non-custodial parent.

Why?

Psy 311: Family

Film Clip: Divorce & Children’s Development

Psy 311: Family

FAMILY VIOLENCE

1. Child abuse– Verbal abuse– Physical abuse– Sexual abuse– Neglect

2. Spouse abuse 3. Elder abuse

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Family Violence

1. Things you get that damage you Physiology- stress reactive View of self Aggression and violence

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Family Violence (cont.)

2. Things that you don’t get that damage you

Lack of cognitive stimulation Attachment disturbance Self-regulation (self control) problems

Psy 311: Family

Consequences of Family Violence (cont.)

Long Term Risk for: Emotional problems (e.g., depression) Difficulty relating to others (e.g., peers) Poor social skills Impaired cognitive development Poor school performance

Psy 311: Family

WHY DOES ABUSE HAPPEN?

A vulnerable individual faces overwhelming stress with

insufficient resources

Psy 311: Family

WHAT MAKES A PERSON VULNERABLE?

The complex interaction of personal and social variables

Psy 311: Family

WHO PHYSICALLY ABUSES CHILDREN?

1. “Normal” people– Young, single mother, with multiple young

children 2. High stress

– Poverty (80% of cases)– Dangerous environment– Unwanted or difficult children

Psy 311: Family

WHO PHYSICALLY ABUSES CHILDREN (cont.)?

3. Low resources– High strung temperament– No partner– Violent relationships– Little social support

Psy 311: Family

WHO PHYSICALLY ABUSES CHILDREN (cont.)?

4. Low skills– Immature– Little knowledge about children or

development– Few techniques for discipline– No role models

Psy 311: Family

INTERVENTIONS

1. Target individuals and personal traits 2. Areas

– Social skills– Parenting skills– Child development education– Counseling

3. Reduce stigma of seeking help– Parents Anonymous

Psy 311: Family

INTERVENTIONS

What about social and political factors?

Psy 311: Family

INTERVENTIONS

1. Prevention of unintended pregnancies 2. Prevention of poverty 3. Education 4. Job availability 5. Community resources

Psy 311: Family

HOW TO BE A GREAT PARENTStep Two:

Get support from society

1. Collective responsibility– Children as a value of society– Child-rearing as a valued activity

Psy 311: Family

HOW TO BE A GREAT PARENTStep Two:

Get support from society

2. Financial support– Single wage-earner makes enough

to support family– Two half-time jobs make enough to

support family

Psy 311: Family

HOW TO BE A GREAT PARENTStep Two:

Get support from society

3. Job flexibility– Part-time or flex-time jobs– Maternity and paternity leave– Child sick leave

Psy 311: Family

HOW TO BE A GREAT PARENTStep Two:

Get support from society

4. Child care support– Education on child-rearing– Quality affordable child care– Community centers– Crisis interventions

Psy 311: Family

LAST NAME, first name

1. Name 3 factors that influence children’s adjustment to divorce.

2. What is the most important factor? 3. What are the long-term effects of

abuse for children? 4. Name 3 factors that increase the risk

of abuse.

Psy 311: Family

END

Psy 311: Family

LAST NAME, first name

1. What are the short-term effects of divorce for children?

2. What are the long-term effects of divorce for children?

3. Name 3 factors that influence children’s adjustment to divorce.

4. What is the most important factor?