Profiles of Psychological Adjustment to Divorce and Separation: Associations With Attachment Insecurity, Forgiveness of the Former Partner, and Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Guzman-Gonzalez M.; Gomez F.; Lafontaine M.F.; Tay-Karapas, K.

Keywords: attachment, emotion regulation, divorce, forgiveness, Latent Profile Analysis, adjustment to divorce

Abstract

Divorce and separation represent the dissolution of one of the most significant attachment bonds during adulthood. Previous research has shown that divorced individuals often face heightened mental health challenges. However, this overarching view, focusing on average effects, fails to capture the diverse responses to this life transition, and the identification of profiles of psychological adaptation to divorce–separation remains limited. The present cross-sectional study aimed to identify latent profiles of psychological adaptation to divorce and separation using a person-centered approach. A sample of 938 Chilean adult participants completed specific measures of psychological adaptation and mental health indicators. Latent profile analysis revealed five distinct profiles: two with positive outcomes and three experiencing persistent difficulties. Factors such as attachment insecurity, forgiveness of the former partner, and emotion regulation difficulties were linked to profile membership, along with demographic and divorce-related variables. These findings offer valuable insights to tailor support services for individuals navigating divorce or separation. © 2025 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Más información

Título según WOS: Profiles of Psychological Adjustment to Divorce and Separation: Associations With Attachment Insecurity, Forgiveness of the Former Partner, and Emotion Regulation Difficulties
Título según SCOPUS: Profiles of Psychological Adjustment to Divorce and Separation: Associations With Attachment Insecurity, Forgiveness of the Former Partner, and Emotion Regulation Difficulties
Título de la Revista: Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Volumen: 51
Número: 3
Editorial: John Wiley and Sons Inc.
Fecha de publicación: 2025
Idioma: English
DOI:

10.1111/jmft.70055

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS