EFFCT OF DIVORCE AND THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IN ADDIS ABABA CITY ADMINISTRATION: THE CASE OF YEKA SUB-CITY

Abstract

Divorce is the dissolution of a marriage by judgment of a court or by accepted custom. It can also be called a total separation. It is a serious experience that affects the whole family system through its effect particularly children are the sole victim of it. Thus, the main objective of the study was to assess the effect of divorce on children's psychological and social well-being, in Yeka sub city, Addis Ababa. To attain the objective, this study employed exploratory research design and qualitative research approach. Both primary and secondary data sources were used and the primary data about the children’s psychosocial wellbeing and parent-child relationship in a broken family were gathered through IDI and KII from 21 custodial parents and 5 key informants who have been selected purposively and snowballing. The gathered data were reviewed, cleaned, categorized and finally analyzed thematically based on the specific objectives of the study. The study findings revealed that parental divorce came to be associated with children’s social disposition, social stigma, living arrangement, relocation and low income are greatly influencing both parent and a child's social wellbeing. Pertaining to parental divorce influencing the children’s psychological state; sadness, grief, lack of confidence, depression, anxiety, stubborn, attention seeking, lack of motivation are significant psychological disadvantage of children. Finally, the study found out that in post-divorce situations, parents were usually occupied with responding to stressful events that made them lose their sensitivity, care and affection to their children which resulting emotionally alienation of child from parents. Parental divorce is negatively influencing child’s relationship with both parents. It is recommended that parents should set up a routine to spend time with their children and understand their feelings and challenges that they encounter. Government organization such as Family courts, justice office, women’s and social affairs institutions should also work together to ensure whether all divorced couples should take their parenting responsibility and respect children’s right.