Title: Through the Eyes of the Child A Study of Children's Experiences at the Time Their Parents Separate:What Happens in These Children's Lives Seen from Their Own Point of View
Abstract: The main purpose of this study is to form a picture of what happens in a child's life when their parents separate and how this event is seen through the child's eyes.
This study is based on qualitative research methods in which eleven children from six families were interviewed. In addition, the parents were asked a few questions about their custody arrangements and the amount of the cooperation between the two parents. These questions were asked in an attempt to create a picture of the children's environment today.
The analysis in this study is based on Mead's theory on symbolic interaction. Other theories on children were also included. Furthermore, the children were viewed from their place in society and their legal rights.
The emotional experiences of the children ranged from anger, grief, sadness, and fear to relief but they also experienced unity, friendship, sympathy, and love.
Overall the children shared one common feeling. They all experienced the feeling of powerlessness in an adult world as well as the wish that their parents could remain friends in spite of the divorce.
The main result of this study was that the children were not prepared for the news of the separation and stood alone during the divorce process. The child does not have a legal right for support during this period in life.
Publication Year: 2004
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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