EVALUATION AND EXPLORATION OF THE PERCEIVED VALUE OF THE “HELPING DIVORCED PARENTS TO BENEFIT ADOLESCENT CHILDREN” PROGRAMME

Abstract

<jats:p>The aim of the study was to evaluate and explore the subjective experiences of parents who participated in the “Helping Divorced Parents to Benefit Adolescent Children” enrichment programme. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design was followed. Participants were selected by convenience sampling and included twelve divorced custodial parents of adolescents who attended the four-week programme. Content analysis was done and themes were extracted from the data. The main themes that emerged from the interpretations were: Positive group experience (value of shared experience and support in the group context); Co-parenting challenges (relationship with former spouse remained challenging); Feelings of guilt and self-blame (for their children’s post-divorce adjustment); Parent’s own personal needs not met (causing frustration); Positive post-divorce and programme outcomes. The general evaluation of the programme was positive and recommendations to improve the programme were made. It was concluded that a group intervention programme for parents can contribute towards positive change in parenting adolescents after parental divorce.</jats:p>