Divorce and family disruption are growing phenomena in the world and a reality in many
children?s lives. Almost half of all divorced families in South Africa have children under
the age of 18 years. Divorce is a traumatic experience for children. Adolescent children
in particular experience divorce as distressing. Adolescent children need to face
numerous challenges while going through the transitional phase between childhood and
adulthood. They are in the process of identity formation and rely on their parents?
support and presence to develop a strong and positive identity.
The Military is often described as a selfish entity, which demands members? undivided
attention and loyalty. When Military families go through a process of divorce, they need
to face the trauma of the divorce as well as the specific demands of the organisation.
Adolescent children from divorcing families in a Military context experience specific
needs, and their parents and the Military as organisation have a definite role to play in
fulfilling these needs.
This study focused on exploring the needs of adolescent children in divorced families in
a South African Military context. A significant amount of research has been done on
adolescent children in divorced families, but little is known about the needs of
adolescent children in divorced families in a South African Military context. Hence, it is
in this particular area that this study endeavours to make a contribution.
The research was conducted in three Military bases in the Cape Town metropole area.
Nine participants (five females and four males) consented to participate in the study.
The size of the sample was not predetermined, but was based on data saturation.
Participants were purposefully selected on the basis of the following: they are
adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 years, they have parents whose divorce
process has been finalised, and one or both of their parents are employed by the
Military.