Effects of Divorce on Children’s Emotional Adjustment in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

This study explores the effects of parental divorce on children's emotional adjustment in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria. Divorce rates in Nigeria's urban centres have risen steadily over the past decade, generating concerns among psychologists and social workers about the developmental toll on affected children. This research employed a descriptive survey design to compare emotional adjustment outcomes in 320 children aged 7 to 15 years, equally divided between those from divorced families and those from intact families. Emotional adjustment was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and a locally adapted Emotional Adjustment Inventory. Data were collected from schools in Garki, Maitama, and Karu districts. Results indicate that children from divorced families reported significantly higher scores on emotional symptoms, peer problems, and conduct difficulties compared to peers from intact families. The period immediately following divorce was identified as the most psychologically vulnerable phase for children. Conflict levels between parents before and after separation were found to predict emotional maladjustment more strongly than the divorce event itself. The study recommends that family courts in the FCT mandate structured post-divorce counselling for children and parents, and that school counsellors receive specialised training in supporting children from separated families. Keywords: divorce, emotional adjustment, children, Abuja, family conflict.