IMPACT OF DIVORCE ON A CHILD IN THE CLASSROOM

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the impact of divorce on a child in the classroom, by means of a questionnaire sent to teachers. In the study, the survey method was used, being one of the qualitative methods. The participants of the study comprised 25 teachers selected via convenience sampling method. The data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher using different sources (Mahony, 2015, 7-8; Shinoda, 2001, 42). The data were analyzed through qualitative data analysis methods. The results have revealed that divorce has mostly never been good for anyone involved. Children are the most affected. Most children do not want their parents to divorce; whereas some do. Some children are confused and do not realize what they want, especially if they have seen their parents being unhappy in the marriage. The child’s age plays a major factor on his or her reaction and understanding of the whole process of divorce. Children come from different backgrounds, home environments, family structures, personalities and so on. Due to these differences, each child reacts in a different way to his or her parents’ divorce. No two children react in the same way. The teachers’ role is very important to help a child overcome some psychological problems stemming from his or her parents’ divorce.