The experience of religiousness as a resiliency factor: A qualitative study among adolescents of parental divorce

Parental divorce has been frequently associated with negative consequences to children of divorce (e.g., decreased school performance, increased conduct problems). In response to these findings, research has been conducted examining positive and negative adjustment among these children, including the identification of resiliency factors. Despite many such studies, little has been published examining the role of religiousness and resiliency among children of divorce. This study presents qualitative research examining the role of religiousness as it relates to the experience of individuals who experienced divorce during adolescence. Twelve self-described religious adults were interviewed who experienced parental divorce between the ages of 11 and 18 years and viewed the divorce negatively. Six qualitative themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews. Three themes associated with the divorce period described specific benefits associated with religiousness: extrafamilial social support through the church, perceived divine support, and the experience of God as a substitute parent. Three additional themes were associated with religiousness during the post-divorce period. It provided a framework offering helpful perspectives on the divorce. It supported intrafamilial reconciliation, and religiousness was seen as a deterrent to future divorce. Although several participants described negative aspects of their religious environment, no consistent negative themes were identified.