FORMER SPOUSES WHO ARE FRIENDS - 3 CASE-STUDIES

Within the larger context of modified analytic induction, each of the three case-study couples in this article was selected to address quest ions that emerged during the research process about the nature and dev elopment of friendships between former spouses. The cases confirmed ea rlier descriptive findings on these friendships, the importance of per ceived intentions, and de-escalation as a path to friendship after rom antic involvement. The cases also yielded new findings. Modification a nd de-escalation emerged as additional paths to friendship. Partners o f one couple disagreed whether they were friends, yet they were able t o co-parent cooperatively. Also, focus of friendship varied; the partn ers of one couple focused on their children, whereas the partners of t he other two couples focused on each other. These findings bridge the divorce and friendship literatures and have relevance for other types of friendships.