Intra-psychic effects of a group intervention programme on adolescents of divorce

Divorce is one of the most stressful and complex mental health crises facing children today. As parents are often under tremendous stress during the time of divorce, they may be incapable of providing the support and guidance children need. The purpose of this research was evaluating the effects of an intervention programme on the self concept as well as on the levels of anxiety and depression of adolescents of divorce. A literature study was done and an empirical investigation was conducted. Eight adolescents who were still in the acute phase of the divorce process were evaluated before and after taking part in a group intervention programme. The ten-week programme was divided into three components, an affective component, a cognitive component and a support component focussing on conflict and anger management. Although the intervention programme did not serve to insulate the members from the negative effects of divorce, the findings of this research indicate that a group intervention programme can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and enhance the self-concept. It is recommended that such an intervention programme be used as an adjunct to the normal school programme. (South African Journal of Education: 2003 22(3): 177-183