Link to Recorded Presentations
https://youtu.be/f3dONLRuWRM
Department
Psychology & Family Studies
Format of Presentation
Asynchronous
Research Category
Social Sciences
Description
This theoretical paper examines the factors that influence adolescent adjustment following parental divorce, focusing on individual, relational, and contextual variables shown in prior research to predict well-being. Using the Rational Choice and Social Exchange Framework and the Family Life Course Development Framework, this study explores how coping strategies, parental attachment, co-parenting quality, sibling relationships, financial strain, and social support shape adolescent outcomes after divorce. The literature review synthesizes six empirical studies from multiple cultural contexts, identifying consistent findings such as greater internalizing symptoms among adolescents exposed to high-conflict co-parenting, parental distress, or limited support. Based on these studies and theoretical concepts, three hypotheses are presented to test how individual cognitive appraisals, relational dynamics, and broader contextual resources predict overall well-being, internalizing and externalizing problems, academic functioning, and long-term relational outcomes. A proposed methodology outlines a survey-based quantitative design using adolescents aged 12–18 who have experienced parental divorce, with analyses examining associations between variables. This theoretical paper aims to highlight gaps in current research, integrate theory with empirical evidence, and emphasize the importance of multilevel processes in understanding adolescent adjustment during family transitions. The study’s implications address intervention needs, family-centered support practices, and improving developmental outcomes for youth navigating parental divorce.
Recommended Citation
Drury, Annesley J., "Adolescent Adjustment to Parental Divorce: The Role of Individual, Relational, and Contextual Factors on Well-Being" (2026). Undergraduate Research Conference. 1.
https://athenacommons.muw.edu/urc/2026/research-in-education-oral-presentations/1
Adolescent Adjustment to Parental Divorce: The Role of Individual, Relational, and Contextual Factors on Well-Being
This theoretical paper examines the factors that influence adolescent adjustment following parental divorce, focusing on individual, relational, and contextual variables shown in prior research to predict well-being. Using the Rational Choice and Social Exchange Framework and the Family Life Course Development Framework, this study explores how coping strategies, parental attachment, co-parenting quality, sibling relationships, financial strain, and social support shape adolescent outcomes after divorce. The literature review synthesizes six empirical studies from multiple cultural contexts, identifying consistent findings such as greater internalizing symptoms among adolescents exposed to high-conflict co-parenting, parental distress, or limited support. Based on these studies and theoretical concepts, three hypotheses are presented to test how individual cognitive appraisals, relational dynamics, and broader contextual resources predict overall well-being, internalizing and externalizing problems, academic functioning, and long-term relational outcomes. A proposed methodology outlines a survey-based quantitative design using adolescents aged 12–18 who have experienced parental divorce, with analyses examining associations between variables. This theoretical paper aims to highlight gaps in current research, integrate theory with empirical evidence, and emphasize the importance of multilevel processes in understanding adolescent adjustment during family transitions. The study’s implications address intervention needs, family-centered support practices, and improving developmental outcomes for youth navigating parental divorce.