Browsing by Author "Steenkamp, Alne"

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    An exploration of romantic relationship quality of adults from divorced parents in Windhoek, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2022) Steenkamp, Alne
    Parental divorce is not a uniform experience and diverse experiences associated with parental divorce may account for variation in romantic relationship outcomes among children of divorce. It is very likely that parental divorce may influence young adults’ romantic relationships by shaping their attitudes towards marriage or divorce and their commitment to their own relationships. Intimacy, security, commitment and trust in adult relationships are often threatened by having experienced a parental divorce sometime during childhood. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the quality of romantic relationships of (young) adults whose parents divorced. Little research has explored the connection between experiencing parental divorce as a child and the quality of the child’s adult romantic relationships. The study employed a qualitative research approach, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The sample consists out of 11 Namibian adults between the ages of 25 and 35 years that lives in Windhoek, and who are in a long-term romantic relationship or married; the parents of one person in the relationship had divorced when he/she was growing up. The results revealed that almost all participants had a negative experience of their parents’ divorce which affected their perception toward divorce. Unfavourable attitudes toward own divorce were reported and favourable attitudes toward others getting a divorce. It further revealed that the overall level of commitment in the relationships of the participants resulted as very high. Participants’ satisfaction in their current relationship also resulted as high. Moreover, the quality of their relationships was not negatively affected. The study recommends interventions in the form of providing therapy to children of divorce and educating parents about the effect of divorce on the psychological functioning of children and adaptation.