The effects of divorce on children’s social development

Abstract

The issue of divorce is a very crucial area of investigation due to its effects on the social development of the pre-schoolers, adolescents and young youths. The study will survey on the effects of divorce among 16 pre-primary schools, 55 primary schools and 3 secondary schools, where a sample size of 10 will be used for analysis, i.e. 2 pre-primary, 5 primary and 3 secondary schools. The objectives of the study would be to find out ways in which pre schoolers social development (age nine and below) are affected by divorce, to find out ways in which adolescents social development (age 9-13) are affected by divorce, to find out ways in which young adults are affected by divorce (age 15-25), and to establish ways in which parents living together influences the children’s social development in Kangema Sub-County. The study survey will collect data through questionnaires which will be directly administered by the researcher. The target population comprised of head-teachers, teachers and students of pre-primary, primary and secondary school because they were the people on the ground who encounters such effects on their daily lives. A descriptive survey was used to give a clear picture on the ground across Kangema Sub-County. The data was presented using charts, tables and histograms. The study concluded that pre-schoolers (aged 0-9 years) are affected by divorce and this is expressed by them showing distress and behavioral problems both in school and at home. The study further concludes that divorce affects the young adults (15-25 years) and this is shown by the choices that they make. The utilization of mediators programs, adoption of parenting education can reduce divorce effects on children social development during the divorce process. The study recommended implementation of guidance and counseling to help children understand and adjust to avoid adverse effects of their parents’ divorce. The study further recommended that children priorities ought to be placed at the frontline during the divorce process as they are adversely affected by divorce.