What Do Children Have to Say? Children's Perceptions of the Children of Divorce Intervention Program

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Human Development 2

Abstract

Divorce has serious implications for a child’s social and emotional development (Pedro-Carroll, 2005). Few of the child-focused interventions for children of divorce have been extensively evaluated. However, one school-based preventive program that has undergone in-depth evaluations is the Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) (Pedro-Carroll, 2005). Through a process evaluation study, involving approximately forty children of divorce who attend two elementary schools in a public school district in New Jersey, this study investigated children’s perceptions of CODIP. Findings revealed that children benefitted by learning coping skills and the positive group dynamics, strong relationships with facilitators, and experiential aspects of the program contributed to these benefits. Also, participants offered constructive feedback about the program and their desire for more hands-on activities.

Author

• Lauren Senko, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway