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Shin: Development of a Structural Equation Model for Children's Adaptation in Divorced Families
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2010; 40(1): 127-138.

Published online: 28 February 2010

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.1.127

Development of a Structural Equation Model for Children's Adaptation in Divorced Families

Sung Hee Shin

Part-time Lecturer, College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Shin, Sung Hee. College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Korea. Tel: 82-2-961-0312, Fax: 82-2-961-9398, sunghshin@khu.ac.kr

Received 28 October 2009       Accepted 4 February 2010

Copyright © 2010 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to develop and test a structural model for children's adaptation in divorced families. The hypothetical model was constructed based on the Family Resilience Model by McCubbin and McCubbin.

Methods

Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from 219 children (3-6th grade) in divorced families. The children attended one of 22 community agencies, 8 after-school programs, 3 elementary schools in three cities in South Korea. The collected data were analyzed using LISREL program to test the hypothetical model.

Results

The modified model was constructed by deleting four paths in accordance with the statistical and theoretical criteria. Compared to the hypothetical model, the revised one had a better fit to the data. Self-esteem, and beliefs about parental divorce had direct effects, and family communication and internal control had indirect effects on children's adaptation in divorced families. These variables explained 56% of the variance in children's adaptation.

Conclusion

The modified model was supported by empirical data. This model could be applied to family nursing interventions with divorced families or any other suffering family transition. When working with children experiencing parental divorce, it is important for nurses to enhance children's self-esteem, family communication and to decrease children's negative beliefs about parental divorce to help in their adaptation.

Keywords: Adaptation, Divorce, Children, Resilience, Family

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Testing for hypothetical model.
*p<.05; **p<.01.
X1=Cohesion; X2=Challenge; X3=Being control; X4=Spiritual pursuit; X5=Seeking help; X6=Open communication; X7=Problematic communication; X8=Friend's support; X9=Family's support; X10=Teacher's support; Y1=Positive self-esteem; Y2=Negative self-esteem; Y3=Internal control; Y4=Fear of abandonment; Y5=Self-blame; Y6=Adaptation.
jkan-40-127-g001
Figure 2
Testing for modified model.
*p<.05; **p<.01
X1=Cohesion; X2=Challenge; X3=Being control; X4=Spiritual pursuit; X5=Seeking help; X6=Open communication; X7=Problematic communication; X8=Friend's support; X9=Family's support; X10=Teacher's support; Y1=Positive self-esteem; Y2=Negative self-esteem; Y3=Internal control; Y4=Fear of abandonment; Y5=Self-blame; Y6=Adaptation.
jkan-40-127-g002
Table 1
Descriptive Statistics for Observed Variables (N=219)
jkan-40-127-i001
Table 2
Pearson Coefficient Correlations for Measured Variables (N=219)
jkan-40-127-i002

*p<.05; **p<.01.

X1=Cohesion; X2=Challenge; X3=Being control; X4=Spiritual pursuit; X5=Seeking help; X6=Open communication; X7=Problematic communication; X8=Friend's support; X9=Family's support; X10=Teacher's support; Y1=Positive self-esteem; Y2=Negative self-esteem; Y3=Internal control; Y4=Fear of abandonment; Y5=Self-blame; Y6=Adaptation.

Table 3
Lisrel Estimates for the Modified Model and Direct, Indirect and Total Effects
jkan-40-127-i003

*p<.05; **p<.01.

SMC=squared multiple correlation.

Notes

This article is a revision of the author's doctoral dissertation from Kyung Hee University.

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