Children of Divorce: Stories of Loss and Growth, Second Edition

This volume paints a picture of the pain, the hope, and the resiliency shown by young adults while in the throes of divorce and in the years to follow. Featuring excerpts of stories collected from thousands of young people this book demonstrates the value of storytelling in helping people deal with major loss in their lives. These poignant narratives are framed by an analysis of the most recent divorce literature. By examining these vivid and realistic experiences, readers gain a greater understanding of the effects of divorce and help to strengthen relationships in the future.This book also challenges the contention that most children will be irretrievably hurt by their parents' divorce by presenting stories that show the strength and resilience many young people have learned in surviving the pain surrounding divorce. Emphasis is placed on how hope about the possibilities of having close relationships and the willingness to try to have stronger families in their own adult lives motivate this sample of young people.The new edition features:The most recent Census data, the latest findings from the top researchers in the field, the latest intervention programs (i.e. educational interventions), and other recent trends related to divorce.A new chapter that demonstrates the messiness of divorce including multiple infidelities, dysfunctional interaction patterns, multiple marriages/relationships, and the financial expense of divorce; the fading stigma of divorce; the latest divorce rates; the increasesd average age of first time marriages; and the recent hook-up phenomenon.ãA discussion of the theory of Divorce Variability and Fluidity Model (DVFM) that helps to predict variability in adjustment to divorce.More suggestions for professionals and/or parents to help themselves and their children respond more adaptively to divorce.An ideal supplement for courses on divorce, family studies, close relationships, and loss and trauma taught in a variety of departments including family studies, clinical, counseling, developmental, and socialã psychology, as well as communication, social work, and sociology , this book's collection of engaging stories also appeals to practitioners and those interested in the effects of divorce in general.