Exploring the Lived Experiences of Children from Divorced Families: The Case of Ambo Town.

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.