Psychology: Understanding Psychology: Student Web Activity: Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Individual Interaction

"Coping With Divorce"

Introduction
When parents divorce, the effects of their separation are felt by all family members. As you learned in this chapter, divorces are on the rise and it is quite possible that someone you know will have to contend with the breakup of a marriage. Families can be better prepared for the changes that accompany separation if they understand that divorce affects the entire family and that family members' reactions to the divorce will vary. At the Focus on Kids: The Effects of Divorce on Children Web site, you can learn strategies that can help families cope with divorce.

Destination Title: Focus on Kids: The Effects of Divorce on Children
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Directions

Start at the Focus on the Kids: The Effects of Divorce on Children Web site.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. What factors influence a child's reaction to divorce?

2. In divorce, what changes cause stress for children?

3. Describe the different ways that children respond to divorce.

4. Describe the different strategies that families can use to help children.

5. Imagine you have a friend whose parents are divorcing, and she has asked for your advice. She is feeling angry, and her six-year-old brother is having trouble sleeping. On a separate sheet of paper, write a letter to your friend informing her of some strategies that could help her family cope with the divorce.