Cognitive-emotional processes in divorced parental relationships

Abstract: Divorced parents with joint custody are expected to collaborate about their children. However, negative emotions are often intense and painful following divorce. This may lead to blocked negotiations about important issues such as children’s living arrangements. The present study focused on the intra-psychic processes of general cognitive-emotional tendencies as they appear over time among low and high conflict divorced parents. Interviews were carried out with 56 parents three and five years post-divorce. Data were analyzed thematically and was related to cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical practice for couples. Four themes were found: (1) Changing the situation, (2) Changing the emotions, (3) Stuck in anger, and, (4) Stuck in hopelessness. Four cases were selected to illustrate the sample in the presentation of the findings. Clinical implications are suggested.