The effects of post-divorce family therapy on children

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of systemic family therapy in alleviating the negative effects of divorce on children. Eleven post-divorce families from in and around a southwestern city of 200,000 were recruited. Each participating family consisted of at least one child from the age of 8-16 years and the custodial parent. Each child completed a demographic survey, the Child Depression Inventory (CDI) and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI). Each parent completed a demographic survey and the Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL). A mixed-design MANOVA was conducted, using the pre-therapy (Ti), post-therapy (T2), and approximate 4-week follow-up (T3) data. The overall effect of time was significant and ANOVAs indicated significant positive changes in depression, self-esteem, internalized and externalized problem behavior. Only social competency showed no significant positive change. A Reliable Change Index was also conducted and indicated significant positive changes in depression, self-esteem, internalized and externalized problem behavior.