The divorce process

This is a study of the process of divorce. Unstructured interviews were conducted with divorced individuals by both the male and female authors. It was found that problems such as adultery, alcohol abuse, or financial difficulties were aspects of nearly all the broken marriages. However, these problems could not be viewed as the causes for the divorce. Instead, problems were used as a basis for escalating a crisis in order to dissolve long-standing, deep emotional bonds. Specific problems became tools in the process of creating an unlivable situation culminating in divorce. The crisis created by the divorcing couple became a reality for their acquaintances. Divorcees used a variety of strategies in the struggle for allegiances following divorce. These strategies and the reactions of friends and relatives are discussed.