Divorce as a contributing factor in affecting the life outcomes of adult children of divorced families

• Main Author: Tan, Jade Kai Qi
• Other Authors: Sulfikar Amir
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Social Sciences; Divorce; Family systems theory; Functionalism; Differentiation of self; Adult children of divorced families
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176766
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This research investigates the escalating divorce rates in Singapore, particularly focusing on the year 2021, which witnessed a significant surge of 7,890 couples opting for divorce or annulment. The study delves into the long-term impacts on children, exploring the social, socioeconomic, and psychological dimensions. Drawing from Bowen's Family Systems Theory, the research examines the effects of divorce penalty on children, emphasizing outcomes rather than divorce itself. By adopting a qualitative research methods like interviews and secondary research. This study aims to construct a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes linking divorce and its consequences on children's late-life outcomes. Additionally, the research evaluates the role of the Family Justice Court, established in 1996 and restructured in 2014, in reshaping divorce outcomes through a therapeutic approach. This research is significant in addressing a sensitive societal issue, providing insights into the factors contributing to high divorce rates, and informing the development of policies to mitigate the enduring effects on families, especially children. The study's relevance is underscored by the increasing individualisation in Singapore and the societal shifts that impact family dynamics, making it imperative to explore the social and cultural aspects influencing divorce rates in the country.