Transformative change comes from more than structured content: Qualitative exploration of parent experiences of a post‐separation group program

• Published date: 01 December 2023
• Author: Luke T. Bayliss,Govind Krishnamoorthy,Aastha Malhotra,Nathan Beel,Carol Plessis,Jennifer Crathern,Stuart Hall,Lorelle Burton
• Date: 01 December 2023
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12836

RESEARCH

Transformative change comes from more than

structured content: Qualitative exploration of parent

experiences of a post-separation group program

Luke T. Bayliss

1

|Govind Krishnamoorthy

1

|Aastha Malhotra

1

|

Nathan Beel

1

|Carol du Plessis

1

|Jennifer Crathern

1

|

Stuart Hall

2

|Lorelle Burton

1

1

School of Psychology and Wellbeing,

University of Southern Queensland, Australia

2

CatholicCare Social Services Southern

Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia

Correspondence Luke T. Bayliss, University of

Southern Queensland, Ipswich campus,

P.O. Box 4393, Raceview LPO, Raceview,

QLD, 4305, Australia.

Email: luke.bayliss@usq.edu.au

Funding information

CatholicCare Social Services Southern

Queensland

Abstract

Objective: In this research, we explore participant experi-

ences of a post-separation parenting program as a protec-

tive factor for helping with post-separation adjustment.

Background: Separation is a difficult process for children

and families. It often involves distress and conflict that

can negatively affect well-being. Post-separation pro-

grams are a protective factor to help parents adjust post-

separation. However, there is a dearth of qualitative

research exploring how these programs help with post-

separation adjustment.

Method: In-depth semistructured interviews were con-

ducted with a sample of 13 parents who had attended a

post-separation program. Thematic analysis was used for

data analysis. Two reviewers independently coded data

inductively, and coding was subsequently independently

reviewed by a third reviewer.

Results: Group processes accompanying the program helped

participants reduce distress in the acute post-separation

phase. Participants reported enhanced management of per-

sonal responses to the separation that contributed to personal

development. Peer learning and support during this phase

may be a relatively unexplored area.

Conclusion: Post-separation programs that normalize sepa-

ration and include practical strategies for emotion regula-

tion and effective communication may be helpful for

individuals’adjustment post-separation.

Received: 27 October 2021Revised: 21 August 2022Accepted: 25 November 2022

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12836

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License, which permits

use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non-commercial and no modifications or

adaptations are made.

© 2023 The Authors. Family Relations published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of National Council on Family Relations.

Family Relations. 2023;72:3067–3083. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare 3067

Implications: Post-separation programs should be offered

by organizations that support separated parents to help

adjust during the early phase of separation.

KEYWORDS

co-parenting, divorce education, divorce–stress–adjustment model, parent

perspectives, parenting, thematic analysis

Approximately a third of marriages in Australia end in divorce, and almost half involve chil-

dren under 18 years of age (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2021). These statistics do not

include separating unmarried couples with children (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020), and

therefore the number of affected individuals is likely to be higher given that 15% of Australian fami-

lies are one-parent families (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). Separation is traumatic, life-

changing, and thrusts individuals into an abnormal situation (Russell et al., 2021; Thomas &

Ryan, 2008). Some separated individuals who experience high-conflict separations express feeling

judged and shamed despite their best efforts in adjusting to the separation process (Treloar, 2019).

Stressors related to separation (e.g., emotional dysregulation, communication difficulties) can con-

tribute to psychological distress and mental health problems (Coleman & Glenn, 2010;D’Onofrio &

Emery, 2019; Hughes & Waite, 2009; Sbarra & Whisman, 2022).

The early stages of post-separation are especially challenging (Ferraro et al., 2016) but are criti-

cal for establishing the co-parent relationship (Emery, 2012; Petren et al., 2021). For most people,

the psychological distress often associated with separation attenuates in the 2 years post-separation

(Amato, 2010; Halford & Sweeper, 2013). Despite this decline, chronic stress associated with co-

parenting conflict tends to remain stable (Halford & Sweeper, 2013; Moral et al., 2021). Indeed,

more favorable attitudes toward co-parenting (Jewell et al., 2017) and other positive changes

(e.g., communicate effectively to resolve conflict) can occur when individuals are empowered and

have agency (Treloar, 2019). Therefore, it is critical that individuals develop skills and knowledge

to navigate the particularly challenging early stages of post-separation to safeguard their personal

and their children’s well-being and to strengthen the co-parenting relationship.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The divorce–stress–adjustment model, displayed in Figure 1, is useful for understanding and

researching post-separation adjustment (Amato, 2000). This model is grounded within a stress

framework, views separation as a process (as opposed to an event), and draws on notions of

risk, coping, and resilience (Amato, 2000). The model suggests that post-separation adjustment

is influenced by stressors resulting from relationship breakdown and subsequent separation,

and protective factors. Post-separation stressors include custodial responsibilities, ongoing con-

flict with the ex-spouse, lack of emotional support, financial difficulties, and other disruptive

separation-related events. The divorce–stress–adjustment perspective posits that individuals

may experience adverse emotional, psychological, and physical outcomes in response to these

stressors, influencing their ability to adjust to divorce.

Protective factors that cushion the impact of divorce may be located within the individual

(e.g., self-efficacy), interpersonal supports (e.g., friendships), and structural resources

(e.g., post-separation programs). These protective factors may help with a short-term crisis or

long-term chronic strain as shown in Figure 1. According to the short-term crisis submodel,

resources (e.g., post-separation parenting programs) may accelerate an individual’s post-

separation adjustment. However, over time, most people will return to their pre-separation

levels of functioning. Conversely, within the chronic strain sub-model, many stressors

3068 FAMILY RELATIONS