The experience of children of divorced parents in a school in the surburb of Durban, South Africa.

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of children of divorced parents in a primary school, located in the suburb of Durban, Kwazulu Natal. The participants in this study were senior primary school children from divorce backgrounds. This study is located in the qualitative paradigm with case study method employed. Data gathering methods used include Individual interviews and observations to investigate children experiences and the relationship of these experiences to their scholastic performance, social relationship and emotional well-being. The results revealed that children experiences of parental divorce vary from one individual child to another, with some children reacting negatively, and some not so negatively while others were indifferent. In general participants reported experiences of sadness, loneliness, abandonment, self-blame, shock and anger. The participants acknowledged the connections between their experiences of divorce by their parents and their academic performance, social relationship and their general well-being. Participants reported experiencing difficulty with their academic work as the divorce of their parents made them confused and frustrated thus affecting their concentration. The loss of a parent through divorce also created economic difficulty, lack of support, role model and motivation for good academic performance.