Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Reba S. Glidewell

Abstract

AbstractIn general, divorce can be stigmatizing and can lead to social and financial hardships for those who experience it. However, the impact of divorce may be more severe for members of the Orthodox Jewish population, whose culture places significant value and importance on marriage. The purpose of this study was to address the gap in the literature pertaining to the experience of divorce in the Orthodox Jewish population and the factors contributing to or hindering postdivorce adjustment in this population. Family stress and coping theory served as the foundation for this study. One research question guided the study examining whether religious involvement, social support, financial well-being, and new and intimate relationships affect the postdivorce adjustment of men and women in the Jewish Orthodox community. Data were collected from a 110-item survey of 310 divorced Orthodox Jewish community members previously administered by the Institute for Applied Research and Community Collaboration, located in Spring Valley, New York. Bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple logistic regression were used to explore the relationship of postdivorce adjustment to the primary independent variables. Results indicated that financial well-being postdivorce, gender, and self-reported personal well-being predicted postdivorce adjustment. Relationship status was significantly associated with postdivorce adjustment. Future researchers should address postdivorce adjustment in specific Orthodox communities and in men. The findings may promote social justice by clarifying the factors that contribute to positive outcomes among divorced individuals in the Orthodox community.

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