Picking up the Pieces: The Effects of Parental Divorce on Adolescents with Some Suggestions for School-Based Intervention Programs

Abstract

Four aspects of the effects of divorce on adolescents are examined in this review. First, some of the recent changes that have taken place in the American family are examined, specifically changes in the number of divorces. Second, the effects of divorce on adolescent development are reviewed, especially possible consequences on intellectual performance and academic achievement. Also examined are the effects of divorce on personality development and social relations. Third, differences in adolescents' reactions to parental divorce are discussed and some factors which either facilitate or retard adjustment to the divorce of parents are identified. Fourth, some suggestions are made for school-based interventions that might help ameliorate some of the negative consequences of parental divorce on adolescent functioning.