Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to describe the influence of family resilience on
teenagers’ adaptation following parental divorce. Quantitative and qualitative,
descriptive research was conducted to determine if there was a relationship between
family resilience and teenagers’ adaptation. Data collection was done using
structured questionnaires. Affected teenagers, n=60 and their families (n=60), were
sampled using a screening tool at three schools in Capricorn district in the Limpopo
Province, South Africa. Data was collected using family resilience scales and coping
scales: Ways of Coping (WCS). The data was analysed in line with ABCX-model to
choose subscales that correlated significantly with adaptation scale of family
resilience as potential resilience factors; and coping by avoidance, behavioral and
cognitive strategies using (WCS). The study highlighted potential family resilience
factors and specific ways of coping used by teenagers among families with
teenagers following parental divorce. The findings have revealed that there are
family characteristics which enable teenagers to cope following parental divorce.
Teenagers who cope have been found to mostly use behavioural and cognitive
strategies and less of avoidance strategies. Family resilience factors among the
families of these teenagers were effective communication (Family Problem Solving
and Communication-FPSC), family hardiness (Family Hardiness Index-FHI) and, the
problem solving and behavioural strategies utilised by families in crisis situations
(Family Crisis Oriented personal Evaluation Scales-F-COPES). Further research
should focus on longitudinal and context-specific that tracks family and teenagers’
adaptation to stressful events as a process that unfolds over time and those that
recognises bi-directional and, transactional influences among fa
