“Another part of the messy story of a child of divorce”: Narrating growth through educational journeys after parental separation

Chapman, Laura 2025. “Another part of the messy story of a child of divorce”: Narrating growth through educational journeys after parental separation. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Aims: The aim of the empirical study is to explore how adults who experienced parental separation in childhood narrate their journey and experiences of education. Using a narrative inquiry approach, the research aimed to provide in-depth accounts of individuals' experiences and contribute to the existing literature on parental separation. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four adult children of divorce. The transcripts were analysed using Lieblich's holistic-content analysis. Analysis: The study identified four overarching themes: relationships, harnessing strengths and accomplishment, autonomy and agency, and loss and the reworking of identity. Individual narrative themes were also constructed for each participant. The research adopted a positive psychology and strengths-based perspective, seeking to explore possibilities for growth, resilience, and meaning-making. Conclusions: The study highlights the complex and diverse ways individuals navigate educational experiences following parental separation. The findings emphasise the importance of supportive relationships, personal strengths, and autonomy in shaping outcomes. The study contributes to educational psychology practice (EPP) by offering an alternative narrative to deficit-based accounts, presenting rich, contextualised explorations of participants' psychological and educational development. Implications for EPP include the value of narrative techniques, promoting relational approaches, and drawing on positive psychology to support resilience and growth in children and young people experiencing parental separation. Keywords: parental separation, divorce, psychological growth, resilience, education

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	11 August 2025
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2025 15:59
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/180333

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