Changes in Mothers' Social Networks and Social Support following Divorce

Although a mother's adjustment to divorce appears to be related to the support provided by her social network, it is unclear which network characteristics are associated with the provision of support. The present study examines this question while exploring how both network characteristics and support may change in the months and years immediately following a divorce. Thirty-eight mothers were interviewed following divorces, and again one year later, concerning the structural and interactional characteristics of their social networks and the support available to them. Results indicated that characteristics associated with the support a mother receives may differ from the characteristics associated with how satisfied she feels with her network. In addition, in the year following divorce, social networks become more homogeneous and allow for greater support as they become denser and more kin-filled. These findings are discussed in light of mothers' needs as they attempt to adjust to their new identities as divorced, single parents.