Research proposal

Running Head : DIVORCE AND ITS EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

Divorce and its Effects on Children

Research Proposal

2007

Marriage is a social institution that was traditionally viewed to end only in death . It is a ceremony where couples vow to love and live together , forever . However , the part about forever does not seem to be upheld by most couples . Couples united by marriage tend to separate before death through other legal and institutional means such as divorce . At present , the rate of divorce is increasing and becoming more common . Many marriages

are broken and many children are being caught in the middle of their divorcing parents . This is becoming a serious social problem due to its effects on children 's psychological and emotional stability and even values . Despite its being a purely family problem , it is a problem whose effects are of a societal scale due to its effects on two of society 's most basic institutions - marriage and family

Objectives

Since there have already been a flood of materials attesting to the existence of negative effects of divorce on children , the researcher decided to venture on other areas of interest instead of focusing only on the basic examination of the negative effects of divorce on children Since divorces are often accompanied by custody battles , the researcher found the difference of the effects of divorce without custody battles and divorce with custody battles on children . In accordance with this the study will attempt to pursue the following objectives

Confirm the existence of negative effects of divorce on children , as described in previous literatures on the subject

Determine the effects of divorce coupled with custody battles on children

Differentiate the effects of divorce with custody battles on children with the effects of ordinary divorce

For the purpose of this research , custody battles will mean custody disputes that were actually brought before or litigated in court whether the same court that granted the divorce or in a different court

Significance of the Study

Aside from its contribution to the academic field and to the field of research , a study of the effects of divorce on certain children will have practical , social and psychological impacts as well . The most important value of this research will be to provide a wider understanding of divorce and its consequences , especially in relation to children . From this understanding , it may be possible to determine the common negative effects of divorce on children and thus prepare parents and other people in dealing with these negative effects . This includes early detection of symptoms of adverse effects such as emotional disturbance , change in behavior and withdrawal . Since the research will include the effects of custody battles , the study can help parents adopt a different degree of preparation to help children when facing custody battles

The utility of this research need not be confined to parents and family of children of divorced and divorcing parents . The findings of this study may also be of use for professionals dealing with children of divorced...