THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL DIVORCE ON THE ATTAINMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENTALTASKS OF YOUNG ADULTHOOD

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of parental divorce on young adult development. One hundred twenty-five participants prov ided demographic information and completed the PAFS-Q (college version ) and the conflict. subscale of the Family Environment Scale. Results indicate that parental divorce and family conflict significantly affec t developmental task attainment. The interactions between sex and age and family structure (i.e., single-parent or stepfamily) were also sig nificant predictors of post-divorce task attainment. Implications of t hese results for therapists as well as recommendations for future rese arch are provided.