J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Feb;40(1):127-138. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.1.127.

Development of a Structural Equation Model for Children's Adaptation in Divorced Families

• Shin SH

• KMID: 1125572
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.1.127

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to develop and test a structural model for children's adaptation in divorced families. The hypothetical model was constructed based on the Family Resilience Model by McCubbin and McCubbin.
METHODS
Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from 219 children (3-6th grade) in divorced families. The children attended one of 22 community agencies, 8 after-school programs, 3 elementary schools in three cities in South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using LISREL program to test the hypothetical model.
RESULTS
The modified model was constructed by deleting four paths in accordance with the statistical and theoretical criteria. Compared to the hypothetical model, the revised one had a better fit to the data. Self-esteem, and beliefs about parental divorce had direct effects, and family communication and internal control had indirect effects on children's adaptation in divorced families. These variables explained 56% of the variance in children's adaptation.
CONCLUSION
The modified model was supported by empirical data. This model could be applied to family nursing interventions with divorced families or any other suffering family transition. When working with children experiencing parental divorce, it is important for nurses to enhance children's self-esteem, family communication and to decrease children's negative beliefs about parental divorce to help in their adaptation.

Keyword

Adaptation; Divorce; Children; Resilience; Family

MeSH Terms

*Adaptation, Psychological
Child
Communication
*Divorce
Family Relations
Female
Humans
Male
*Models, Theoretical
Problem Solving
Program Development
Questionnaires
Self Efficacy
Social Support

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Testing for hypothetical model. *p<.05; **p<.01. X1=Cohesion; X2=Challenge; X3=Being control; X4=Spiritual pursuit; X5=Seeking help; X6=Open communication; X7=Problematic communication; X8=Friend's support; X9=Family's support; X10=Teacher's support; Y1=Positive self-esteem; Y2=Negative self-esteem; Y3=Internal control; Y4=Fear of abandonment; Y5=Self-blame; Y6=Adaptation.

• 

  Figure 2 Testing for modified model. *p<.05; **p<.01 X1=Cohesion; X2=Challenge; X3=Being control; X4=Spiritual pursuit; X5=Seeking help; X6=Open communication; X7=Problematic communication; X8=Friend's support; X9=Family's support; X10=Teacher's support; Y1=Positive self-esteem; Y2=Negative self-esteem; Y3=Internal control; Y4=Fear of abandonment; Y5=Self-blame; Y6=Adaptation.

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