The Content of Divorce Education Programs

Abstract

A survey was conducted to assess the content coverage of more than 100 divorce education programs for parents in North America. Fifty‐six percent of the programs were mandatory for at least some categories of divorcing parents. Results showed that the most intensively covered topics involved the effects of divorce on children and the benefits of parental cooperation. Moderate coverage was devoted to skills acquisition, such as conflict management and parenting, and to the effects of divorce on parents. Minimal coverage was devoted to “nuts and bolts” and legal issues. The results are discussed in terms of issues likely to emerge as a result of this content coverage.

Therapeutic Implications of Behavior Change Theory in Post-Divorce Counseling and Education Programs

“…The number of court-connected programs then tripled between 1994 and 1997 (Geasler and Blaisure 1999). Programs range from educational content: well-being of the children, cooperative parenting, "nuts and bolts" legal issues of divorce, and financial issues; to counseling programs and bibliotherapy (Braver et al, 1996;Blaisure and Geasler, 1996). Whatever the program, when parents are influenced by certain interventions, the children will also be affected.…”

“…Such theories are also applicable in strategies of divorce counseling and educational services as a self-evaluation tool. The literature suggests that behavior change theory has not been implemented into such programs (Braver et al, 1996;Blaisure and Geasler, 1996). Taylor (2003) demonstrated how to implement behavior change theory within the divorce mediation session.…”

Surviving the Earthquake

“…The programs have been intended to teach parents about the effects of divorce, and provide emotional support-as well as assistance-to prevent possible psychological and behavioral problems with children (Bacon & McKenzie, 2004;Yankeelov et al, 2003). Extensive surveys all over the U.S. revealed a remarkable growth of 180% of the PEP workshops between the years 1993 and 1999 (Braver et al, 1996;Geasler & Blaisure, 1999).…”

“…These programs represent a preventive approach to reducing the damage caused to children by the divorce process (Arbuthnot & Gordon, 1996;Braver, Salem, Pearson, & DeLuse, 1996;Fischer, 1997;Geasler & Blaisure, 1999;Heilmann, 2000;Kramer & Kowal, 1998;Wallerstein, Lewis, & Blakeslee, 2000;Yankeelov, Bledsoe, Brown, & Cambon, 2003).…”

Assessing Custodial Mother Adjustment to Divorce

“…This was, in part, due to the decision to address parent, rather than child, adjustment. Future research that separates out the efficacy of divorce-related parenting skills versus general parenting skills may also assist in refining program components (Braver, Salem, Pearson, & DeLuse, 1996). By designing a study that dismantles essential program components, as well as specific foci within these components, the individual contribution of each will be better known and the treatments will become more focused and refined.…”