| This study utilized Giorgi's phenomenological method to obtain a rich description of divorce as seen through the eyes of a child. I interviewed young adults between the ages of 18-21 to share their memories of their experience of being a child of divorce. Through open-ended interviews with six participants, I discovered the experience of divorce as a child. The participants were mainly college students from an urban Midwestern area. I categorized participants' descriptions of being a child of divorce for overall themes and meanings. All of the participants reported that being a child of divorce had an impact on their lives and in their relationships with others. For many of the participants, alcohol and/or drug use by one or more parent was experienced. Most of the participants reported feeling more angry after the divorce, for some this resulted in increased fighting at school and home. This study highlights their descriptions and the meaning of their experiences for professionals who work with children, youth, or adults where divorce has touched their lives. |
