Readings

• Course Text: Wetchler, J. L., & Hecker, L. L., & (Eds.). (2015). An introduction to marriage and family therapy. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Chapter 14, "Special Topics in Family Therapy: Mental Illness, Physical Illness, Substance Abuse, Family Violence, and Divorce" (pp. 469-475)
• Article: Hetherington, E. M., Bridges, M., & Insabella, G. M. (1998). What matters? What does not? Five perspectives on the association between marital transitions and children's adjustment. American Psychologist, 53(2), 167–184. Retrieved from the PsycARTICLES database. (AN 1977-38813-007)
• Article: Taanila, A., Laitinen, E., Moilanen, I., & Järvelin, M. (2002). Effects of family interaction on the child's behavior in single-parent or reconstructed families. Family Process, 41(4), 693–708. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier database. (AN 9068767)
• Article: Drew, L. M., & Silverstein, M. (2007). Grandparents' psychological well-being after loss of contact with their grandchildren. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(3), 372–379. Retrieved from the PsycARTICLES database. (AN fam-21-3-372)
• Article: Bowyer, S. (2007). Coping with divorce and separation. Community Care, 1689, 24–25. Retrieved from the Academic Search Premier database. (AN 26795129)
• Two articles from the Walden Library published in peer-reviewed journals in the last five years that each examines a different issue affecting families who may enter the counseling setting and that discuss potential effects on the members of a family

For this Application, you will consider different perspectives on final separation or divorce and the potential impact that this step may have on various members of a family. You will compare perspectives on specific potential impacts of divorce and defend a perspective you feel to be the most sound.

To prepare for this assignment:

• Review this week's Learning Resources.
• Reflect on the ways that divorce may affect various members of a family in counseling.
• Think about the theoretical perspectives on divorce and the factors relating to each that may have an impact on families undergoing divorce.
• Review the DVD segment "Issues Related to Couples and Families," with Drs. Pete and Linda Palmo, focusing on the insights as to how divorce and/or final separation may impact members of a family. Link to video: https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/conte…

username and password to view the video: shanice.edmonds@waldenu.edu Maurelton88

The assignment: (1–2 pages)

• Analyze two different perspectives on a particular way that divorce may impact families.
• Provide specific examples to support your analysis, either from experience, observation, or the media.
• Compare the perspectives and defend the perspective you believe to be most sound.