Mothers post-divorce: The challenges of adjustment

This article discusses the adjustment process of mothers following divorce. The process is viewed as one in which the individual meets a number of interrelated challenges, involving the resolution of practical and emotional problems. These challenges include: dealing with intense negative emotions; resolving practical problems of daily living; assuming the responsibilities of parenting; achieving self-acceptance; giving up the demand for fairness; establishing an effective ex-spousal relationship; and developing new interests and relationships. This article uses an RET framework to explore dysfunctional patterns which have a negative impact on the adjustment process and the implications for therapeutic intervention with this client population.Barbara Mandell R.N., M.A. is a Clinical specialist in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. She is in private practice in Ellicott City, Maryland and is co-founder and Clinical Coordinator of the Children of Separation and Divorce Project, the Family Life Center, Columbia Md.