Divorce: A Crisis of Family Transition and Change

This paper presents a conceptualization of a normative process of divorce as a crisis of family transition. With the integration of family stress and systems theories, a series of five transitions are identified as normative. Within each of these transitions, stresses associated with major role transitions and common family coping strategies are identified. Rather than dissolving the family, divorce culminates in its redefinition from a nuclear to a binuclear system. The continuation of meaningful attachment bonds between parents and children can reduce major stresses associated with this complex process of family change.