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The present paper discusses some of the current issues confronting practitioners and researchers in understanding gender differences in children's adjustment to divorce. Gender differences in children's developmental adjustment to divorce are influenced by pre and post divorce development processes, parent expectation and children's coping abilities. Current research indicates that boys and girls are affected differentially by divorce with boys experiencing greater maladjustment resulting from divorce related processes. Recommendations are provided for practitioners who work with children of divorce and their families in the home and school. (Contains 1 figure.)

This study assesses divorce adjustment of custodial mothers. Measures designed to assess psychological functioning of the custodial mother and family functioning are employed. Fifty-six custodial mothers completed the assessment measures. The results indicate that custodial mothers who report healthier levels of overall family functioning on the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised (DAI-R), demonstrate healthier levels of psychological functioning as assessed by the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) than custodial mothers who report lower levels of overall family functioning. In addition, divorce education (Families in Transition) participants had better family conflict and resolution skills, more favorable divorce conditions, and a more positive view of the divorce transition at the end of the program than did nonparticipants (DAI-R scale scores). Overall, these results provide a baseline for reported symptomatology among divorced women, confirm the efficacy of a divorce education program in reducing psychological symptoms, and support the use of the Divorce Adjustment Inventory-Revised in assessing postdivorce family functioning. KEYWORDS. Divorce, education, divorce adjustment, evaluation, custodial mother

The purpose of this study is to examine children's perceptions of the Families In Transition Program, a court mandated divorce education program In Louisville, Kentucky. Qualitative research methods were used to develop an in-depth understanding of children's perceptions. Forty children between the ages of 8-16 were administered a qualitative instrument linked to the goals of the program. The results indicated that children felt that the program provided information to help them cope with divorce related problems and helped them understand the effects of divorce on their parents' behavior. The study also outlines specific recommendations to better address the needs of children who attend the program. KEYWORDS. Divorce, education, divorce adjustment, evaluation, children

Describes a group training program in parenting skills for single parents (N=45), emphasizing parent-child communication, child management, and problem-solving skills. Program evaluation indicated improvements in parents' skills and their children's behavior. The group also provided a support system, and positive reinforcement for members' role as parents. (JAC)

The study investigated the effectiveness of self-ratings vs a teacher- administered point system in reducing the disruptive behavior of five elementary level students. (SBH)

This paper considers factors that make children 'at risk' for postdivorce maladjustment. The risk factors include (a) demographic variables of sex, age and socioeconomic status; (b) predivorce family functioning; (c) postdivorce relationship with the ex-spouse; (d) postdivorce parent-child interaction; and (e) social support systems. Treatment programs incorporating these factors are briefly described. Recommendations are provided for the clinician and researcher.