A profile of conflict tactics during divorce

Abstract

The use of conflict tactics during divorce, particularly with children involved is, an understudied subject. The comparison of couples' responses to conflict revealed how divorce drives the experiences of parents, and how they make use of conflict tactics. The conflict tactics applied by divorcing couples have a huge impact on their family. Conflict tactics can be ethical or unethical, and these tactics determine the nature of divorce proceedings. The following research questions were formulated: (a) What are the conflict tactics applied by couples during divorce within a South African context? (Article one); (b) What are the gender differences in the application of conflict tactics during divorce? (Article two); and (c) How can the acquired knowledge regarding the different conflict tactics contribute to the implementation of a conflict management model for conflict during divorce? (Article three). The objectives of the study were: (a) To determine the conflict tactics that were applied by couples during divorce in a group of participants within a South African context; (b) To determine gender differences in the application of conflict tactics during divorce; (c) To develop a conflict management model for conflict during divorce to aid professionals when dealing with divorce cases. Males and females apply different conflict tactics during divorce. Fifty divorcing couples in Gauteng, South Africa, between the ages of 20-60 years participated in the study. Snowball sampling was used for a heterogeneous sample. Participants were purposively selected by professionals within the field of divorce. The researcher made use of a cross-sectional convergent mixed methods design by utilizing quantitative and qualitative approaches concurrently. In the quantitative leg of the research a standardised measuring tool, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), was used to investigate the conflict tactics applied by

couples (n=100). In addition, a biographical questionnaire was administered. An open-ended question was used to obtain qualitative data. For the qualitative data, an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was done in consultation with the statistical consultation services of the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. The qualitative data were categorized according to conflict tactic themes using axial coding and selective coding. The quantitative results showed no significant gender differences in applied conflict strategies. However, the qualitative results provided an in-depth understanding of the conflict tactics applied by different genders. Females predominantly make use of protective gatekeeping, while males make use of avoidance of an unwanted option, minor psychological aggression, emotional negotiation, and parental alienation. The results of the two sets were integrated and used to develop a conflict management model for professionals in the field of divorce by using a three-step modified Delphi method to establish its effectiveness. Ten panel experts were selected to reach consensus regarding the development of a conflict management model for conflict during divorce. The need for a conflict management model for conflict during divorce within a South African context is evident. Although there are programmes available for the continual professional development of professionals in the field of divorce, no specific model exists that provides professionals with the necessary guidance to safeguard the well-being of divorcing families.