DIVORCED MEN'S LIVED EXPERIENCES AND THEIR COPING MECHANISMS INTHE ESWATINI KINGDOM: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Studies have shown that the impact of divorce on individuals involved is enormous but little attentionhas been given to how divorce affects men. This study therefore explored divorced men's lived experiencesand their coping mechanisms. This phenomenological study used purposive sampling and snowballingtechniques to select 12 divorced men from Eswatini Kingdom in Swaziland. Thematic data analysiswas used to analyse the data. The following themes were formed 1) Psychological and emotionalstressors in divorce 2) effect of divorce 3) coping mechanism and 4) personal analysis of the divorceprocess. In theme 1, public and religious views, emotional and financial stressors were the sub-themesidentified. In theme 2, health and wellness, and family dynamics such as children, extended family,new spouse, and neighbours were affected. Adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms emerged assub-themes for theme 3. Perceived contributory factors to divorce are infidelity, sexual incompatibility,lack of respect, irreconcilable differences, and emotional awareness such as the impact on self, andothers emerged as sub-themes for theme 4. It is concluded that while some men bounce back from thedivorce experience and can deal with its negative effects, some find it difficult to return to their previouslevel of functioning. It is recommended that government and relevant stakeholders should create/orstrengthen the existing community-based networks like "lisango" to promote psychological well-being.And formulate policies that promote, mental health awareness and referral, gender equality, andupholding traditional values