Beyond Parental Divorce

The Dynamics of Identity Development in Young Adults Who Experienced Parental Divorce in Childhood

Abstract

Parental divorce represents a critical family transition that can influence meaning–making, parent-child relationship, and identity development into young adulthood. This study aims to understand the dynamics of identity development among individuals who experienced parental divorce in childhood. Employing a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, five participants who experienced parental divorce between the ages of 0 and 10 were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that identity development is not merely shaped by the divorce event itself, but rather by how individuals make sense of the experience throughout their developmental trajectory. The results further reveal that limitations in recalling childhood memories, post-divorce parent-child relationship quality, and emotional support from primary caregivers play pivotal roles in identity development, while limitations in recalling childhood memories, reported by one participant, may also be relevant.. Alongside psychological vulnerabilities, participants demonstrated adaptive functioning through the development of core life principles, commitment to healthier relationships, and aspirations to build a family distinct from their childhood experiences. This study underscores the critical role of relational contexts and subjective experiences in understanding identity development among individuals exposed to parental divorce in childhood.