1.1 Introduction
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage contract between two individuals, thereby terminating the marital union and the responsibilities attached to it (Amato, 2010). It is a social and psychological event that disrupts family structure and alters the emotional, financial, and social dynamics of all parties involved, particularly children. The family serves as the foundational unit of society and the primary environment for the emotional, cognitive, and moral development of children (Hetherington & Kelly, 2002).
The emotional development of a child refers to the ability to recognize, understand, express, and manage emotions in ways that enable positive relationships and effective coping with life challenges (Thompson, 2014). Children depend on consistent emotional support and attachment from their parents to achieve healthy emotional growth. When the family system is disrupted through divorce, the emotional security of the child is often compromised (Kelly & Emery, 2003).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the aim and objectives of the study. Others are significance of the study, scope of work, research hypothesis and questions, limitation of the study and definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The family is universally regarded as the fundamental unit of society and the first social environment where a child's emotional, moral, and psychological foundations are built. According to Hetherington and Kelly (2002), the family provides the initial framework for emotional security, guidance, and social learning, which are essential for a child's overall development. When this unit disintegrates through divorce, it disrupts the stability and continuity that a child depends on for emotional growth. Divorce, therefore, represents not only the end of a marital relationship but also a redefinition of the emotional and social experiences of the children involved.
Amato (2010) asserted that divorce is a major life event that alters family structures, routines, and relationships, often leaving children emotionally vulnerable. He reported that the separation of parents frequently leads to emotional confusion, sadness, and anxiety among children, as they struggle to understand and adapt to the new family dynamics. Similarly, Kelly and Emery (2003) stated that children from divorced families often experience emotional distress that manifests in behavioral problems, poor academic performance, and social withdrawal. The breakdown of parental cooperation and the absence of consistent emotional support affect how children learn to manage their feelings and relate to others.
According to Lansford (2009), the impact of divorce on a child's emotional development is influenced by several factors, including the level of conflict between parents, the quality of post-divorce parenting, and the availability of social support systems. He contended that children who are exposed to prolonged parental conflict or hostility before and after divorce are at higher risk of developing emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, or aggression. On the other hand, children whose parents maintain a cooperative relationship after separation tend to exhibit better emotional resilience and adjustment (Lansford, 2009).
Amato and Keith (1991) affirmed that the psychological effects of divorce may persist into adulthood, influencing an individual's self-esteem, relationship patterns, and emotional stability. They reported that adults who experienced parental divorce in childhood are more likely to struggle with trust issues and emotional regulation in their own relationships. Ola and Akinbami (2018) asserted that in the Nigerian context, where divorce is still culturally stigmatized, children of divorced parents often face additional emotional challenges, including social rejection, shame, and identity crises. The social pressure and judgment from extended family and community members intensify the child's emotional turmoil, making recovery more difficult.
Furthermore, Thompson (2014) stated that emotional development is a critical aspect of childhood that determines how well individuals understand, express, and control their emotions in different situations. When this development is disrupted by family instability or emotional neglect following divorce, the child's ability to form healthy relationships and cope with life's challenges is significantly affected. Emery (2006) contended that although some children display resilience and adapt positively after divorce, many require intentional emotional support and counseling to mitigate the psychological effects of parental separation. This study is set against the backdrop of the increasing rate of marital dissolution and its far-reaching implications for the emotional development of children, particularly in societies where family unity is highly valued and emotional well-being is often overlooked.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the emotional development of a child is deeply tied to the consistent love, care, and guidance received from both parents. When parents separate, the absence of one parent may lead to feelings of abandonment, low self-esteem, and emotional instability (Hetherington & Kelly, 2002). Children in such circumstances are more likely to experience sadness, anxiety, or anger as they struggle to adjust to changes in family dynamics and living arrangements. On the other hand, children who grow up in intact families often have stronger emotional regulation and social competence due to continuous parental support (Lansford, 2009).
In many cases, divorce also leads to strained parent-child relationships, which further affects the child's psychological growth. The conflict and hostility that often precede divorce expose children to stress and emotional distress. This stress is likely to manifest in poor academic performance, withdrawal from social interactions, and behavioral problems (Kelly & Emery, 2003). In societies where divorce is stigmatized, such as in many African contexts, children of divorced parents may also face societal rejection or ridicule, intensifying their emotional struggles (Ola & Akinbami, 2018).
Furthermore, the financial implications of divorce are a crucial factor in a child's emotional development. A single parent may face economic difficulties, which limit access to quality education, healthcare, and emotional support resources. The resulting instability is often associated with increased vulnerability to depression and emotional trauma among affected children (Amato & Keith, 1991). On the other hand, children from divorced families who receive proper emotional counseling and support from both parents after separation tend to exhibit better emotional adjustment and resilience (Emery, 2006). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to investigate the impact of divorce on the emotional development of a child, examining the extent to which parental separation affects emotional stability, behavioral patterns, and overall psychological well-being.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of divorce on the emotional development of a child, focusing on how parental separation affects their emotional stability, social behavior, and psychological growth. To achieve this aim, the study has the following objectives:
- To examine how parental conflict during and after divorce affects a child's emotional adjustment.
- To assess the role of parental support and communication in promoting emotional stability after divorce.
- To determine the emotional effects of divorce on children's behavior and self-esteem.
- To identify coping strategies used by children from divorced families.
- To suggest interventions that can help reduce the negative emotional impact of divorce on children.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the emotional effects of divorce on children's behavior and self-esteem?
- How does parental conflict during and after divorce affect a child's emotional adjustment?
- What coping strategies do children from divorced families adopt to deal with emotional distress?
- What role does parental support and communication play in the emotional stability of children after divorce?
- What interventions are effective in reducing the emotional impact of divorce on children?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Divorce does not have a significant impact on the emotional development of a child.
- H1: Divorce has a significant impact on the emotional development of a child.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Parental conflict during and after divorce negatively affects a child's emotional stability.
- H1: Parental conflict during and after divorce positively affects a child's emotional stability.
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will enhance understanding of the emotional challenges children face in post-divorce situations and will offer guidance for parents, educators, and policymakers. The research study will also serve as a foundation for further research on child emotional development and family stability in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the study will contribute to public awareness and will promote the creation of supportive systems for children affected by marital separation. Also, counselors and psychologists will benefit from the study's findings by using them to develop effective intervention strategies for children of divorced parents.
Lastly, future researchers will find the study valuable as a reference point for further academic inquiry into family dynamics and emotional development.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this study is focused on the emotional impact of divorce on children in selected schools within Lagos State, Nigeria, accentuating emotional stability, behavioral adjustment, and self-concept.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Divorce:
Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage between two individuals, ending their marital relationship and associated responsibilities (Amato, 2010).
Emotional Development:
Emotional development refers to the process through which children learn to recognize, express, and manage their emotions to build healthy relationships and adapt to life situations (Thompson, 2014).
Child:
A child is a young human being below the age of 18 years who is still under parental or guardian care and in the developmental stage physically, mentally, and emotionally (UNICEF, 2015).
Parental Conflict:
Parental conflict refers to verbal or physical disagreement between parents, which may occur before, during, or after divorce and significantly influence a child's emotional and psychological state (Kelly & Emery, 2003).
Emotional Stability:
Emotional stability is the ability of an individual to maintain balanced emotions and cope effectively with stress or negative experiences (Lansford, 2009).
Coping Strategies:
Coping strategies are the behavioral and psychological methods children use to deal with stress, anxiety, or sadness resulting from parental separation (Emery, 2006).
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