A Qualitative Study Exploring Youths' Experiences of Divorce in Co-Parenting Families in Cape Town

Tsikira, Suellen

A Qualitative Study Exploring Youths' Experiences of Divorce in Co-Parenting Families in Cape Town

Thesis / Dissertation

2026

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the experiences of youth in different co-parenting families in Cape Town, South Africa, following divorce. According to recent national data, the number of divorces in South Africa increased by about 10% between 2022 and 2023, reflecting a gradual rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously disrupted marriage and divorce registrations. This rise underscores the social importance of understanding how young people navigate and experience these transitions (Stats SA, 2025). The study's objective was to explore the effects of divorce and the challenges faced by youth in co-parenting families. Furthermore, the study aimed to understand the positive outcomes of divorce for youth and to develop an appreciation of the healthy co-parenting requirements beneficial to youth. From the interviews conducted with sixteen participants aged 18-20, findings showed that divorce often led to emotional distress, feelings of abandonment and neglect, with trust issues emerging from these interviews. The study interrogated how divorce impacted the academic performance of youth and how it often contributed to risky behaviours like substance abuse and teenage pregnancies. Conversely, some youth demonstrated resilience, excelling at school despite the divorce. The study also discussed the challenges of co-parenting, including communication challenges, negative parental influence and logistical issues. However, several participants also described positive transformations such as enhanced independence, safer living environments, and improved relationships with the other parent. In addition, the study emphasised the significance of structured interventions such as counselling and co-parenting education in supporting youth post-parental divorce. The study highlighted the significant role of extended families in mediating conflicts and acting as parental figures. Prioritised recommendations in this study included promoting youth access to counselling and emotional support services, implementing co-parenting education programs for parents, developing school-based academic support systems, enhancing community and extended family support networks, and creating formal logistical and financial support mechanisms for co-parenting families. Overall, the study contributes to social work practice by providing evidence-based insights to guide youth counselling, school-based support programmes, and parental education initiatives in post-divorce contexts.

Keywords

divorce

youth

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