Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Children and Society, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
Divorce is a significant life event that can deeply affect children's emotional and social well-being. According to attachment theory, disruptions in the parent–child bond during or after divorce may cause emotional insecurity and difficulties in adjustment. Despite the growing number of divorces, there is limited qualitative evidence exploring how mothers perceive the effects of divorce on their children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the perceived effects of divorce on children from the perspectives of mothers by examining their experiences, observations, and interpretations through a qualitative research approach. This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 12 divorced mothers across X, conducted online. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The themes were interpreted within the framework of attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of emotional bonds between children and their caregivers in coping with stressful life events such as divorce. The study was written based on the COREQ checklist. Four themes (Mothers' Experiences Regarding the Effects of Divorce on Their Children, Mothers' Lived Experiences of Child–Parent Relationships, Mothers' Assessments of Their Children's Needs, Mothers' Recommendations and Support Strategies) and nine sub-themes were identified. In this phenomenological study, the physical and psychosocial effects of parental divorce were explored through mothers' narratives of their children's lived experiences. Mothers emphasized that addressing children's needs requires spending meaningful time with them, offering consistent psychological and social support, and ensuring that legal processes prioritize children's well-being. Overall, the study provides nuanced qualitative insights into how mothers perceive their children's adjustment to divorce.