Philippine E-Journals

Custodial Arrangement Experiences and Socio-Emotional Adjustment of Children of Separated Parents

Katrina Rebecca A. Odfina | Lorelei R. Vinluan

 

Abstract:

Separation of parents can be an ordeal for any child. External and internal difficulties affect the child’s socio-emotional adjustment. This study investigated the effects of custodial arrangement and parenting on the socio-emotional adjustment of children of separated parents. Survey of background information and interviews with parents, teachers, and other individuals significant to the children were conducted. The Child Anxiety Scale and the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory were also administered to the children. Play therapy and bibliotherapy were used as interventions to improve children’s socio-emotional adjustment. Findings obtained from quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that play therapy and bibliotherapy appeared to be effective interventions in improving the socio-emotional adjustment of the children.