Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of children from divorced
families. The study employed a qualitative research approach, specifically descriptive
phenomenology. The participants were 7 children whose parents are divorced, 7 custody
parents, and 5 knowledgeable people from three government organizations and one
NGOs. In the study, both snowball and purposive sampling techniques were employed.
The study used multiple qualitative data collection instruments (like in-depth interviews,
case studies, key informant interviews, and observation). In the study, the thematic
qualitative method of data analysis was employed. The study shows that children from
divorced families live in poor living conditions. Economic, psychological, social, and
academic problems are dominant and common challenges for children. Depending on
their strengths, age, sex, and other factors, children use their parents support, self support activities (like shoe shining, petty business, and gullit work), government's
support, and NGOs support as their main coping mechanisms. The study also revealed
that divorce affects every aspect of the children's lives in the short and long term.
Economic, psychological, social, and educational effects are the major ones in the study.
Based on these findings, the study concluded that divorce has multidirectional and
interdependent challenges and effects throughout the life course of children. To overcome
their challenges, the children used several mechanisms, some of which indirectly affected
their lives. Therefore, divorce is one of the most complex and serious social problems and
non-acceptable activities, but nowadays many people are widely involved in it,
considering it normal. Hence, the study has recommended divorcing families and
governmental and non-governmental organizations. To minimize the challenges and
effects of divorce, the family had better think about the lives of their children after
divorce before taking a decision about divorce. And also, it is better if both governments
and NGOs strengthen the existing supportive mechanisms and foster collaboration
among stakeholders. Regarding copy mechanisms, it is important to strengthen and
develop a sustainable self-support system, provide training on coping mechanisms, and
establish a child service center in Ambo town.
