Project – Impact of Divorce and Re-marriage on Children Mindset.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Marriage is a sacred institution established by God for companionship, procreation, emotional support, and the proper upbringing of children. In every society, the family serves as the first social environment where children learn moral values, emotional stability, discipline, and social interaction. A stable home is therefore essential for the healthy psychological, emotional, spiritual, and academic development of children. According to the Bible, God designed marriage to be permanent and peaceful, providing a secure atmosphere for the growth and nurturing of children (Genesis 2:24, New International Version, 2011). However, in recent years, the increasing rate of divorce and re-marriage has become a major concern in many societies, including Christian communities.

Divorce refers to the legal or formal dissolution of marriage between spouses, while re-marriage refers to the act of marrying again after divorce or the death of a spouse. Although divorce may sometimes occur due to serious marital conflicts such as infidelity, domestic violence, financial instability, incompatibility, and lack of communication, its effects often extend beyond the couples involved and significantly affect children. Children are usually the most vulnerable victims in cases of divorce because they experience emotional pain, confusion, insecurity, rejection, and psychological stress when their parents separate (Amato, 2000).

The mindset of a child refers to the pattern of thinking, emotional perception, attitude, belief system, and psychological orientation developed through life experiences and social interactions. The family environment greatly influences the mindset of children because it shapes their emotional responses, confidence level, social behavior, academic performance, and future relationships. When divorce occurs, children may begin to develop negative attitudes toward marriage, family life, trust, and interpersonal relationships. Some children become emotionally withdrawn, aggressive, fearful, anxious, or depressed due to the instability created by parental separation (Hetherington & Kelly, 2002).

Furthermore, re-marriage introduces another phase of adjustment for children. In many cases, children struggle to adapt to step-parents, step-siblings, and new family structures. The introduction of a new parental figure may create emotional conflicts, resentment, insecurity, jealousy, or confusion within the child. Some children may feel neglected or displaced when their biological parent gives more attention to a new spouse or children from another relationship. These experiences often affect the emotional and psychological development of children negatively.

Research has shown that children from divorced homes are more likely to experience emotional instability, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, behavioral problems, and social difficulties compared to children from stable homes (Wallerstein, Lewis, & Blakeslee, 2000). Divorce may also affect the spiritual life of children, especially within Christian settings where marriage is considered sacred and divorce is often discouraged. Children from divorced families sometimes experience shame, social stigma, or reduced participation in church activities due to emotional discomfort or societal judgment.

In many Pentecostal churches, marriage and family life are strongly emphasized as important aspects of Christian living. Churches often teach love, forgiveness, patience, faithfulness, and unity within marriage. Despite these teachings, cases of divorce and re-marriage are becoming increasingly common among church members. This trend has generated concern among pastors, counselors, and church leaders regarding the emotional and psychological welfare of children affected by broken homes.

In Ilesa, Osun State, several Pentecostal churches have witnessed cases of marital separation, divorce, and re-marriage among members. Many children within these churches are exposed to emotional trauma, family instability, and psychological stress resulting from parental conflicts and family restructuring. Some children experience difficulties in concentration, emotional control, social interaction, and spiritual growth due to the effects of divorce and re-marriage within their families.

The impact of divorce and re-marriage on children may manifest in various ways including sadness, anger, loneliness, anxiety, rebellion, fear, academic decline, and distrust toward relationships. Some children may become emotionally detached from one or both parents, while others may struggle with identity and belongingness in blended family settings. In severe cases, unresolved emotional pain may influence the child’s future relationships, behavior, and perception of marriage.

Scholars have argued that stable family structures contribute significantly to healthy child development. According to Amato (2000), parental divorce often disrupts the emotional security and social adjustment of children. Similarly, Hetherington and Kelly (2002) observed that children exposed to repeated family transitions such as divorce and re-marriage are more vulnerable to emotional and behavioral challenges. Wallerstein et al. (2000) further noted that the long-term effects of divorce may continue into adulthood, influencing children’s future relationships and emotional stability.

Although several studies have examined divorce and family instability, limited attention has been given to the specific impact of divorce and re-marriage on the mindset of children within Pentecostal church settings in Ilesa. Since churches serve as moral and spiritual centers for family development, it becomes necessary to investigate how divorce and re-marriage affect the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual mindset of children within Christian environments.

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the impact of divorce and re-marriage on children mindset using children from five selected Pentecostal churches in Ilesa as a case study.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Marriage is expected to provide emotional stability, love, care, security, and proper upbringing for children. However, the increasing rate of divorce and re-marriage in contemporary society has created serious emotional and psychological challenges for many children. In many homes, children are exposed to family conflicts, separation, parental disagreements, and emotional instability that negatively affect their mindset and overall development.

One major problem associated with divorce is the emotional trauma experienced by children when their parents separate. Many children from divorced homes often feel abandoned, rejected, confused, and insecure. Some children blame themselves for the separation of their parents, while others develop fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, or depression as a result of family instability. These emotional struggles may affect their academic performance, social relationships, self-esteem, and spiritual growth.

Furthermore, re-marriage often creates additional adjustment difficulties for children. Many children find it difficult to adapt to new family arrangements involving step-parents and step-siblings. In some cases, children experience emotional neglect, discrimination, lack of affection, or conflicts within blended families. This situation may lead to resentment, rebellion, emotional withdrawal, and negative attitudes toward family relationships.

Despite the teachings of Pentecostal churches on love, unity, forgiveness, and family stability, cases of divorce and re-marriage continue to occur among church members. Consequently, many children within these churches are exposed to emotional pain and unstable family environments. Some affected children display behavioral problems, poor concentration, aggression, low self-confidence, and reduced participation in church or social activities.

In Ilesa, concerns have been raised about the growing number of children struggling emotionally and psychologically due to parental divorce and re-marriage. Church leaders, counselors, and teachers have observed that some children from broken homes experience difficulties in emotional adjustment, social interaction, and moral development. These challenges may affect their perception of marriage, trust, family life, and future relationships.

Although studies have examined the causes and effects of divorce generally, limited research has focused specifically on how divorce and re-marriage affect the mindset of children within Pentecostal church settings in Ilesa. This creates a gap in knowledge that requires further investigation.

Therefore, this study seeks to examine the impact of divorce and re-marriage on the mindset of children from five selected Pentecostal churches in Ilesa.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of divorce and re-marriage on children mindset in five selected Pentecostal churches in Ilesa.

The specific objectives are to:

1. examine the emotional effects of divorce on children;
2. investigate the psychological impact of re-marriage on children;
3. determine the relationship between divorce and children’s social behavior;
4. examine how divorce and re-marriage influence children’s perception of marriage and family life; and

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the emotional effects of divorce on children?
2. How does re-marriage affect the psychological mindset of children?
3. Is there any relationship between divorce and children’s social behavior?
4. How do divorce and re-marriage influence children’s perception of marriage and family life?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between divorce and re-marriage and the mindset of children.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between divorce and re-marriage and the mindset of children.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to parents by helping them understand the emotional and psychological effects of divorce and re-marriage on children. It will encourage couples to handle marital conflicts responsibly in order to protect the well-being of their children.

The study will also benefit church leaders, counselors, and family therapists by providing useful information on how to support children affected by divorce and re-marriage. It will assist churches in developing effective counseling programs for families experiencing marital challenges.

Furthermore, the study will contribute to academic knowledge by serving as reference material for future researchers interested in family studies, child psychology, marriage counseling, and Christian family life.

The study will equally benefit society by promoting stable homes, healthy child development, and peaceful family relationships.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on the impact of divorce and re-marriage on children mindset. The study will be limited to children from five selected Pentecostal churches in Ilesa, Osun State. It will examine the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual effects of divorce and re-marriage on children.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Divorce

Divorce refers to the legal or formal dissolution of marriage between husband and wife.

Re-marriage

Re-marriage refers to the act of marrying another person after divorce or the death of a spouse.

Mindset

Mindset refers to the pattern of thinking, attitude, emotional perception, and psychological orientation of an individual.

Children

Children refer to young individuals under parental care and guidance.

Pentecostal Churches

Pentecostal churches are Christian churches that emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, holiness, prayer, and spiritual gifts.

Project – Impact of Divorce and Re-marriage on Children Mindset.