ERIC Number: ED284144
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-May
Pages: 50
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Adult Children of Divorce: Curative Factors of Support Group Therapy.
McGuire, Kent Allen
There is substantial evidence that for some children whose parents divorce, long-term effects of divorce may be with them into adulthood. Compared to individuals from intact families, adult children of divorce tend to experience an increased level of depression, anger, hostility, sadness, sorrow, and anxiety; an increased vulnerability to stress; and a reduced level of self-esteem. Difficulties in interpersonal relationships have also been reported. Therapy can be very helpful in addressing these problems and many possible long-term effects of divorce appear relevant to the 12 curative factors of Yalom's (1975) therapy group: (1) interpersonal input; (2) catharsis; (3) cohesiveness; (4) self-understanding; (5) interpersonal output; (6) existential factors; (7) universality; (8) instillation of hope; (9) altruism; (10) family reenactment; (11) guidance; and (12) identification. In light of these curative factors, a review of the research suggests that a self-directed support group for adult children of divorce would be beneficial for those who experience some long-term effects of their parents' divorce. (NB)
Publication Type: Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A