Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences
Department
Human Development and Family Science
First Advisor
Hans Saint-Eloi Cadely
Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to gain a deeper understanding of the potential impact experiencing parental divorce has on later adulthood developmental outcomes. Divorce is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) with significant implications for future life events. Given the high divorce rates in the U.S., understanding its impacts on children is crucial, with approximately 750,000 divorces recorded in 2019. Existing research indicates that children of divorced parents often face more mental and physical health issues compared to those from intact families (Amato, 2014). Current literature suggests that divorce, like other life events, can have long-term effects into adulthood (Bhrolcháin et al., 2000; Fagan & Churchill, 2012). However, divorce can be beneficial depending on the quality of the marriage (Amato et al., 2011). The current dissertation adds to existing literature by utilizing a mixed methods approach that analyzed quantitative survey data from the Child Development Project (CDP) (N=411) and qualitative data from one-on-one interviews with participants from a university in the northeast region of the United States (N=9). Findings from this dissertation indicate that experiencing parental divorce before the age of 18 is associated with increased sexual risk-taking behaviors, reduced romantic relationship outcomes, higher levels of anxiety/depression, and the development of insecure attachment styles in adulthood. Additionally, participants emphasized the lasting impact divorce has had on their mental health, romantic relationships, coping mechanisms, family dynamics, engagement in sexual activity, and roles in friendships. This dissertation identifies specific areas of concern for children from divorced families, offering insights for more effective support strategies to address the challenges they face. Future research on offspring of divorced families should aim to include a diverse sample across all demographics.
Recommended Citation
Pascuzzi, Emma, "AN EXPLORATION OF THE ADVERSE OUTCOMES OF DIVORCE" (2024). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 1660.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/1660