Puerto Rican and Dominican Women's Perceptions of Divorced Women

SUMMARY The purpose of this study was to explore Puerto Rican and Dominican women's perceptions of divorce with particular emphasis on divorced women's image and experience in these countries. An on-line survey was administered in Spanish to a population of 95 Puerto Rican and Dominican women. Most survey questions were open-ended and some demographic information was gathered. Results of a qualitative content analysis revealed a range of perceptions, cultural beliefs, and social stigma about divorce. Specifically, divorced women were perceived as either being successful and independent, or as failures and social outcasts. Women who were divorced were more likely to hold positive attitudes about divorce as were women from Puerto Rico. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.