A Phenomenological Study of Emotional and Subjective Experiences of Children of Divorce

Divorce is a reality in the lives of many people around the world. This phenomenon is affecting people's lives in many ways and is the origin of complex emotional, cognitive and physical changes in the family, especially children. In this regard, this study was conducted to explore the lived experience of children of divorce about their emotional experiences. In this qualitative study, a phenomenological framework was adopted. The population under study was ۱۷ adolescents aged ۱۲-۱۸ years old; who had experienced the separation of their parents. The participants were selected purposively, and selection continued until data saturation. Data collected by semi-structured and face-to-face individual interviews. The data were analyzed using the Colaizzi`s proposed stages. The thematic analysis resulted in three sub-themes for emotional experiences including anger and hate, fear and feeling of defenseless. According to findings, the adolescents participating in the study faced with a variety of emotions and experiences during the divorce and thereafter. Based on the results, children of divorce have numerous mental and environmental perceptions and experiences which in some cases can affect their well-being and mental health. The results emphasize the need for a deeper explanation of the lived experience of these people by psychologists and social workers and implementing therapeutic interventions based on the content derived from the present study, focusing on improving their emotional states.

Keywords:

lived experience , adolescents , children of divorce , phenomenology , emotional and subjective experiences , تجربه زیسته , نوجوانان , فرزندان طلاق , پدیدارشناسی , هیجانات و تجربیات ذهنی