A family is considered as a social institution that structures the lives, activities and relations of men, women and children (Thornton, Axinn & Xie, 2007). It is a collective unit that interacts and cares for one another while also sharing resources. Additionally, the marriage is a legal binding of a man and women or same sex couples, with the central element of economic well-being, physical and mental health and bearing and rearing of children (Thornton, Axinn & Xie, 2007). Some marriages end in divorce which is the legal dissolution of a marriage. That can be stressful for adolescents leading to psychological and physical risks (Afifi, McManus, Hutchinson & Baker, 2007). It has been estimated that in Australia 346,000 children have experienced parental separation from 1996 through to 2016 (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2017). With a staggering total on 40,202 children experiencing parental separation in 2016 alone (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2017). To date, the majority of research exploring parental separation has focused on the parental perspective of the effect adolescents feel.
A report conducted by the Australian Institution of Family Studies on ‘Experience of separated parents, 2015’ recognised the importance of child wellbeing (Australia Institute of Family Studies, 2015). However, it was recognised through the perception of the parent, for example, the study showed mothers of 15-17 year olds reported that their child’s health was ‘fair/poor’.Another example, is from a father’s perception on 5-11 year olds reporting their child’s health was ‘good’ (Australia Institute of Family Studies, 2015). This is good evidence in how they believe their child’s wellbeing has changed due to separation. However, what they believe may be completely different perspective from the way in which their child actually feels.
A study conducted by Tamara Afifi, Tara McManus, Susan Hutchison and Birgitta Baker on ‘Inappropriate Parental Divorce Disclosures, the factors that prompt them and their impact on parent’s and adolescent’s well-being (Afifi, McManus, Hutchinson & Baker, 2007).’ Found that divorce disclosure can have a negative impact on adolescent. However, disclosure is not always harmful in fact it can sometimes be beneficial (Afifi, McManus, Hutchinson & Baker, 2007). Adolescents need information about the divorce to reduce uncertainty of the family structure. Additionally, adolescents feel deceived, mistrusted and diminished without parental communication (Afifi, McManus, Hutchinson & Baker, 2007). These findings came from a parental outlook rather than the adolescents in which we are not able to gain a full understanding in the way adolescents feel about the issue.
Many studies have been conducted looking at the effect parental separation has children’s lives, most focusing on an adults account of the effect it has on their children. However, gaining adolescent’s perspective on their experience of parental separation is important. Since the introduction of the ‘Family Law Act’ and establishment of the Family Court in 1976 there has been many inquiries and reforms. Leading to the ‘Family Law Amendment Act 2006’ (Lodge & Alexander, 2010). Which intends to understand the views, experiences and feelings of children and bring them to attention (Daniel, 2009). From the research conducted it was evident many reports and studies were based of a parental perception rather than the child themselves, this has led to discover ‘The impacted difficulties of parental separation from an adolescent’s prospective’
Although previous reforms seemed sound, many have failed in the past. However, for the current reform to be more successful, it will be based firmly on the understanding of the way adolescents think and understand parental separation in the way they do. In particular, the experiences indicated by adolescent found ‘Many adolescents wanted a say in the decision about who they lived with.’ Consequently, not much research into an adolescent perspective has been conducted. A reason in which it is important to see a change in research into this area of difficulty.
Methodology
The purpose of the study is to address the problem of adolescent difficulties with parental separation. Unlike previous work in parental separation its main focus was on the parents themselves, however, the focus is exclusively on adolescent views.The study will first explore parental separations involving adolescents linking recurring patterns and variations experienced. Secondly, it will examine the relationship quality between parents and adolescents after separation and thirdly, it will link parental relationships with their child and adolescent health and wellbeing.
Given that adolescents are already an exceptionally vulnerable group in society, it is important to consider the impact of parental separation is having on them. The proposed study takes a qualitative research approach to understand the underlying reasons, opinions and dive deeper into the effects of parental separation from an adolescent perspective. The study attempts to compare adolescent perspectives with current theoretical conceptualisations and examine the results for measurement suggestions
To successfully gain an understanding of the Impact parental separation has on adolescents it requires an in-depth qualitative research methodology. The qualitative approach design is used to gain a broad understanding of the perspective of parental separation from an adolescent’s perspective. It was also selected to uncover developing themes, patterns, concepts, and understandings while using an analytic framework to link concepts and classifications. One important aspect of using qualitative method allows participants the opportunity to responded in their own words, rather than forcing responses. This study will adopt qualitative data collection as semi-structured interviews will be conducted as the primary means of data collection as it offers a more complete description and analysis of the participant responses due to confidential environment thereby providing an in-depth source of data.
The use of semi-structured interviews is the most appropriate method of obtaining the type of information required in this study, as the study aims to identify participants emotions, feelings and opinions regarding parental separation. Approximately ten to fifth teen research participants will be interviewed in order to gain an in-depth understanding of their individual experience during their parental separation. All participants will have experienced separation in the last year or two, as this will help identify issues from the group and form a relative understanding of their experience.
Semi-structured interviews are accommodating but include predetermined questions to help guide the interviewer (Horton, Macve and Struyven, 2004). The use of open-ended questions, including indirect questions will be used to obtain information about the difficulties of parental separation and the attitudes and beliefs the participants hold (Horton, Macve and Struyven, 2004). A number of predetermined questions will be included in the interview to gain specific information and help prompt the conversation giving the interviewee the opportunity to express what they believe is important in their situation. Cross-sectional research can be seen as the study takes place at a single point in time, this approach was chosen to ensure harm did not interfere and elicit an emotional distress as the research being conducted is confronting and is presented to a vulnerable group of society.
Questions
What is your understanding of your parent’s separation?
How did you feel throughout your parent’s separation process?
Is your relationship quality different now than before with your parents?
Did your parents communicate with you during their separation?
Did you have any choice on where you would like to live?
Semi-structured interviews are a good method for obtaining information as the participant are able to respond in as much detail as they like. While providing valid information about the participants attitudes, values and opinions. Furthermore, they provide flexibility to the interviewer as they are able to adjust questions and change direction as the interview takes place (Dicicco & Crabtree, 2006). Even though there are many advantages of semi-structured interviews some disadvantages can arise. Semi-structured interviews are difficult to compare due to the results being in-depth and unique. Furthermore, the interviews are time consuming in terms of data collection and data analyse (Dicicco & Crabtree, 2006).
The main aim of this research is to identity and describe the difficulties adolescents endure due to parental separation. While aiming to improve behaviours and feelings in this area if we are able to gain a sound understanding of the difficulties adolescent commonly have, then we can potentially design programs and support groups to help adolescents overcome the difficulties.
Sample selection
The sample size of the research will be between ten to fifth teen participating adolescents between the age of fourteen and seventeen in Adelaide, South Australia. The small sample size was chosen to obtain more in-depth information on the study topic. Additionally, the sample size remains small as we are targeting a vulnerable group in society. A number of variables are seen such as, participants have a similar age bracket, Participants have experienced separation within the last year or two and have different socio-economic backgrounds. The participants will be selected from a range of local community centres based in their age bracket, parental separation in the last year or two and socioeconomic background. The interviews being conducted will be in the area in which the participant is located. With the aim of providing a familiar environment to ensure comfort and ease during the interview. Consequently, if some participants are unable to attended the interview, a telephone interview will be arranged at a time that is convenient for the participant. This will be the last option, as a substantial effort will be made to conduct a face-to-face interview will all participants.
The selective method of purposive sampling will be employed to access a particular subset of people. It is a good way of only targeting a selected subset to reach the purpose required. This method is highly appropriate for the study, as it enables the researcher to gain relative information according to the specific criteria. Purposive sampling is non-probability meaning sampling without random selection hence it can be subjected to bias and error. To limit biases occurring the sampling criteria will be made of those from socio-economic backgrounds and an even balance of males and female within a specific age bracket.
Ethical Consideration
The study will have ethical principle put in place as it recognises the importance of ethical standards.An ethical consideration that is vital to this study is informed written consent in which will be obtained once participants have a clear understanding of the aim, methodology and potential risk they maybe encounter throughout their participation in the study (Cacciattolo, M 2015). It will be ensured that participants understand the study is voluntary and they have the right of withdrawal at any stage without penalty. Once all participants have a sound understanding, they will be asked to give written consent to participate in the study. However, as all participant will be under the legal age of consent a letter of consent will also need to be signed by their parents (Hoagwood, Jensen, & Fisher, 2014). Furthermore, Respect for participants will also so be maintained throughout the study ensuring that participants own actions and requirements to obtain informed consent are followed (Artal & Rubenfeld, 2017).
Another ethical consideration is confidentiality, in which ensures all personal information will be treated as confidential throughout the study and after it has been completed. Unless, a participant, shows harm to themselves or others, or neglect or harm to a child. This is due to State and Federal legislation requiring reports of abuse or neglect of a child (Hoagwood, Jensen, & Fisher, 2014). All information gathered from the interviews will not be used without first obtaining consent from the individual to ensure confidentiality is not breeched. To also help protect privacy anonymity the use of Pseudonym will be used to remove the identity information of participants (Vanclay, Baines & Taylor, 2013).
Furthermore, it is fundamental that no harm must come to participants as a result of research (Vanclay, Baines & Taylor, 2013). The participant will not be exposed to danger or put in harm’s way during the research. Additionally, no adverse consequences to a participant will be evident as a result of their participation. It will be ensured that any personal issues or emotional distress brought about in the research will be dealt with until a resolution is made. Additionally, follow-up assistance and counselling will be provided to help participants debrief if required (Vanclay, Baines, Taylor, 2013). Furthermore, discrimination will be avoided against all participants based on sex, race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status. By following all ethical considerations mentioned we are able to protect a vulnerable group and ensure their safety.