THE EFFECT OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN WELLBEING IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

Abstract

This study examines the effect of divorce on children wellbeing in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaires as instrument of data collection. A sample of one hundred (100) respondents was selected using simple random sampling technique. The data was analysed using percentage and chi-square statistical techniques. The results show that the effect of divorce can weaken child social development during the growth stage in Egor Local Government Area. The result revealed that the effect of divorce can weaken mother-child relationships in Egor Local Government Area. The result found that the effect of divorce can weaken father-child relationships in Egor Local Government Area. The result also shows that the effect of divorce can cause children to diminish in their social skills in Egor Local Government Area. The study recommends that children from divorced families should be supported in order to minimise the negative effects they may experience. This can be informal support by family, peers or the educational system, or more formal therapeutic programs which are run by professional counsellors. The educational system should help mitigate the negative effects of divorce in a variety of ways, including the provision of direct and indirect services as well as preventative services to children. Direct service should be provided through individuals or by groups, using counsellors or group therapy. Indirect services can be offered by increasing the awareness of school personnel on how to identify and assist children from divorced families. Preventative service should be provided for children of divorce with curriculum changes and additional facilities to help them cope with divorce