Theory of Divorce and

Development
By Keyonna Anderson and Kenva Smith
 Children of divorced parents with two or more of the
following characteristics:
Target  School aged
Population  Exhibit behavioral issues
 Negligent or absent parent(s)
 Academic difficulties, including school dropouts
 Low socio-economic background
 Social issues
 Identity crisis
 Exhibit signs of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
 Habitual substance abuse
 Self-blame/internalization of external problems
 Only 60% of Children’s family
Why is this theory children live with
married
instability is a
public health
necessary? parents/guardians concern

High conflict
Mental health
parental/guardian
affects on children
relationships

Social implications Academic effects

Future implications
for children of
divorced parents
The Theory  The overall wellbeing and success of divorcee

children is contingent upon quality parenting,

stability, and a nurturing environment.

 Divorce and Development Model

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Influential
Theories  The Health Belief Model

 Theory of Reasoned Action

 The Social Ecological Model

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Benefits of theory to
target population
 Improved interpersonal
relationships
 Better grades
 Improved mental and emotional
health
 Decreased risk of substance use
and abuse
 Lower future rates/statistics of
broken homes
 Identify family/home structures that can negatively
Team Goal of Identify affect child development
Divorce and
Development
Showcase Showcase the effects of divorce on child development
Theory/Model
Provide guidance on creating a sustainable structure
Provide for child development

Improve Improve overall well being of children of divorcees

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 References

D'Onofrio, B., & Emery, R. (2019). Parental divorce or separation and children's mental health. World psychiatry : official
journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 18(1), 100–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20590

Obeid, S., Al Karaki, G., Haddad, C. et al. Association between parental divorce and mental health outcomes among
Lebanese adolescents: results of a national study. BMC Pediatr 21, 455 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02926-3

Lee, C. M., & Bax, K. A. (2000). Children's reactions to parental separation and divorce. Paediatrics & child health, 5(4),
217–218. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/5.4.217

Çaksen H. (2022). The effects of parental divorce on children. Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki, 33(1), 81–82.

https://doi.org/10.22365/jpsych.2021.040

O'Hara, K. L., Sandler, I. N., Wolchik, S. A., Tein, J. Y., & Rhodes, C. A. (2019). Parenting time, parenting quality,
interparental conflict, and mental health problems of children in high-conflict divorce. Journal of family psychology : JFP :
journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 33(6), 690–703.
https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000556

Leopold, T., & Kalmijn, M. (2016). Is Divorce More Painful When Couples Have Children? Evidence From Long-Term
Panel Data on Multiple Domains of Well-being. Demography, 53(6), 1717–1742. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-016-0518-2

Sander Søren, Strizzi Jenna Marie, Øverup Camilla S., Cipric Ana, Hald Gert Martin, Front. Psychol., 30 November 2020
Sec. Personality and Social Psychology
Volume 11 - 2020 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.578083
Any Questions?
Thank you!