The Effect Of Post-Divorce Adjustment Program On Life Satisfaction, Adjustment To Divorce And Psychological Symptoms Of Divorced Individuals

This study examined the effectiveness of the Post-Divorce Adjustment Program (PDAP) on individuals' adaptation to divorce, life satisfaction, levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The research employed a pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and control group quasi-experimental design. The research group consisted of 20 divorced individuals aged between 25 and 45. These individuals were divided into two groups: 10 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group. In the experimental group, participants received the PDAP individually, consisting of six sessions held once a week. This study utilized a mixed research approach employing a parallel embedded design, where qualitative data complement quantitative data. Therefore, in addition to quantitative data collection tools, semi-structured interview forms developed by the researchers were used to collect qualitative data. To determine the effectiveness of the PDAP in the experimental group, statistical analyses including the Mann-Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test were conducted. Furthermore, a clinical significance assessment was carried out to determine individual changes within the experimental group throughout the PDAP application. Qualitative data were summarized and interpreted using various analytical techniques, including structural, descriptive, and longitudinal analysis methods. Findings indicated that the PDAP significantly contributed to improving divorced individuals' adaptation to divorce and their overall life satisfaction, while concurrently reducing levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, the qualitative analysis of data derived from semi-structured interviews revealed that the PDAP facilitated positive transformations in participants' lives. It was found that the individuals in the experimental group took the initial steps to reorganize their lives and began applying the skills acquired from the program to their daily lives. The findings were discussed within the context of relevant literature, and recommendations were presented. © 2025 The Authors.