Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Displaced homemakers; Divorced women;
Abstract
In light of the increasing rate of divorce and families headed by females, a research study concerning the emotional adjustment of transition fromthe role of supplementary pa.rent to sole parent was undertaken. It was assumed that the divorce experience has a traumatic effect on the post-divorce lifestyle of the divorced displaced homemaker. Research focused on isolation of commonalities of emotional experience, methods of coping and adapting to new lifestyle, and the effect of divorce on the current lifestyle of four, female heads of household. Data was gathered by conducting in-depth interviews with four, divorced displaced homemakers and by observation of the participants in their hane settings. Participants were informed of the nature of the study and asked to sign release of information forms prior to interviews. All interviews were electronicalzy- taped. Questions were unstructured but guided by ten basic questions which stimulated additional questioning.
(1) Findings of the study isolated commonalities of emotional experience: guilt, ambivalence, loneliness, decrease in self-worth and confidence, depression, lingering emotion for ex-spouse;
(2) Methods of coping and adapting to new lifestyles: utilization of relationships with family, friends, children, participation in social activities, formation of new interpersonal relations, self-talk, religion;
(3) Effect of divorce on current lifestyle: caution in forming interpersonal relationships, emphasized emotional and financial independence, compared all men to ex-spouse, prioritized care of children.
It was concluded that the identified commonalities of emotional experience can be utilized in the formation of a structured approach by helpers who assist the divorced displaced homemaker in coping and adapting to her new lifestyle. This method of assistance will be instrumental in producing a secure transition and a less traumatic effect on her future lifestyle.
Year of Submission
1980
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Department of School Administration and Personnel Services
First Advisor
Robert T. Lembke
Second Advisor
John K. Smith
Third Advisor
Robert Frank
Date Original
1980
Object Description
1 PDF file (69 leaves)
Copyright
©1980 Debra Ann Buchanan
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Buchanan, Debra Ann, "A Qualitative Approach to the Emotional Adjustment to “Head of Household” on the Current Lifestyle of the Divorced Displaced Homemaker" (1980). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2210.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2210
Comments
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