Artikel

Een psychologische kijk op de kwestie van de echtscheiding

---

Abstract

A psychological view on the divorce question - Society does pay far too little attention to the fact that divorce is preceded by a process of dissolution and doesn’t provide anything for the individuals concerned after divorce. The separation of two partners is still too exclusively considered as a matter of law. In this contribution the subject is considered from a psychological point of view. In each part the sociological approach to the question aims mainly at locating it in its social context. Observed is that divorce is poorly appreciated. Divorce is a very emotional event producing a degree of distress which is almost equal to mourning, but the separation grows gradually and is not absolute since the partner is alive and children, friends and so many things remain in common. Factors and causes of divorce vary very largely. We know background factors which give the marriage a greater proneness and we also know intrapsychic and interrelational factors. The dissolution has consequences for the partners, the children and the family. In our society the partners lose status. They have to recreate and restructure their lives which requires a long process of adaptation. The majority of divorced people marry again, men more frequently than women. The children are forced to reconsider their relations with their parents. It is not the divorce as such but, on the contrary, the preceding disturbance in the relationships with and between their parents that causes the greatest damage. Most of the children of divorced parents regarded divorce as a favourable turn in their destinies. We propose the following possibilities. 1° As a remedy against the process of dissolution if this has not gone too far and when the indications for help, support, mediation, guidance or therapy are positive: institutionalization and organization of the latter. All this requires the co-operation of many and various experts. In reality there is a shortage of professional skilled persons and specialized consultation offices. Psychotherapy should be exercised essentially by psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists, family therapists, partner therapists, experts in sexual problems and psychiatrists who have specialized in the matter. 2° As a means to facilitate the divorce process once the dissolution has preceded beyond the stage in which the above-mentioned interventions are really useful: revision of the grounds for divorce; the principle of guilt ought to be banished from all laws. The principle of permanent disruption and incompatibility has to be considered as the first and most important criterion. A preparation to the situation after divorce will neutralize many of the negative consequences of the dissolution. 3° As a remedy against the consequences of the process of dissolution and divorce: radical change of the attitude of society towards divorced persons, creation of associations providing assistance and meeting facilities, a better division of charges among the partners, occupational re-training of women and revision of the access modalities to a profession for them. Feelings of guilt must be assimilated, guidance to specific educational problems should be started etc. Prevention is possible by aiming at homogeneous marriages, by allowing and appreciating other forms of cohabitation, by changing the mentality of the society, by achieving a real equality of male and female; by an efficient sexual education at home and at school, by giving instructions to elaborate an adequate partner-selection, and last but not least by establishing a better relationship and communication between parents and children and by stimulating an open atmosphere with respect to sexuality.

How to Cite:

Mion, A., (1974) “Een psychologische kijk op de kwestie van de echtscheiding”, Tijdschrift voor Sociale Wetenschappen 19(1), 26–57. doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/tvsw.95960