Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): May 2026 - October 2026

Growing through change: The dynamics of psychological well-being among adolescents following parental divorce

Ainurizan Ridho Rahmatulloh (Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Aug 2026

Abstract

Parental divorce represents a significant life transition that can profoundly affect adolescents' psychological well-being. Although a growing body of research has documented the association between parental divorce and adverse psychological outcomes, the subjective processes through which adolescents interpret this experience and reconstruct their well-being remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to explore the dynamics of psychological well-being among adolescents following parental divorce. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was used, involving three adolescents aged 17-18 whose parents had been divorced for at least one year. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using phenomenological analysis. The findings indicate that adolescents’ psychological well-being develops through a dynamic process involving changes in post-divorce family relationships, emotional and behavioral adjustment, meaning-making, and future-oriented aspirations. Although Informants also exhibited persistent emotional dysregulation and disrupted future orientation, suggesting a distinct pre-growth state that may precede the consolidation of well-being. These findings highlight that post-divorce psychological well-being is not a uniform outcome but an individualized developmental process. Mental health practitioners are encouraged to complement symptom-reduction approaches with meaning-making facilitation and relational support when working with adolescents from divorced families.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ajpc

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Neuroscience Social Sciences

Description

Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling is a research-based psychological journal published by the Fakultas Ushuluddin dan Dakwah, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling is dedicated to developing abnormal ...