Browsing by Author "Theofelus, Johanna Iyaloo"

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    The causes and socio-economic effects of divorce on family structures in Namibia: Recommendations for social work practice
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Theofelus, Johanna Iyaloo; Kamwanyah, Ndumba J.
    This study explored the socio-economic effects of divorce on family structuresinNamibia, focusing on the Oshana Region. The high divorce rate in this region has beenaconcern, with 827 divorces recorded at the Oshakati High Court between 2018 and2021. The study employed a qualitative research approach, using interviews and focus groupdiscussions with 16 participants, including 12 divorced couples and 4 social workers. Thefindings revealed that the main causes of divorce in Oshana Region are poor marital communication, infidelity, and poor sexual relationships. The socio-economic effectsofdivorce on parents include financial challenges, emotional stress, and depression. Thestudy also found that the dissolution of marriage leads to family dissociationandpsychological disturbance among both divorcing parents and their children. The study'sfindings are consistent with the reviewed literature, which suggests that global trendsindivorce are driven by modernisation and changes in societal values. The results highlight the need for effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and a strong foundationfor a successful marriage. The study's conclusions emphasised the importanceofaddressing the root causes of divorce, such as poor marital communication and infidelity, to mitigate the negative effects on family structures. The study recommends that social workers and policymakers prioritise support services for divorced families to mitigatethepsychological and financial impacts of divorce. The study contributes totheunderstanding of divorce trends in Namibia and highlights the need for a comprehensiveapproach in addressing the socio-economic effects of divorce on family structures