The Impact of Parental Divorce on Social Interaction Problems in School-Age Children

Illustration by AI

FORMOSA NEWS

Sandra Limbanadi and Amanda Pasca Rini from the University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya published research in August 2026 highlighting how changes in family conditions due to parental divorce trigger social interaction barriers in school-age children. This research is vital to building awareness among schools and families so they can provide appropriate emotional support for children experiencing psychological pressure due to family breakdown.

Changes in family structure such as divorce often trigger emotional stress, reduced closeness, and minimal interaction time due to parents' busyness working late into the night. This condition makes children feel they receive less direct attention, impacting their comfort when socializing with the surrounding environment.

This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and psychological examinations using intelligence tests and projective drawing tests on a child subject aged 11 years and 8 months.

The main findings of this study show several important points:

• The subject's intellectual capacity is in the average category ($FSIQ=93$), proving that the barriers occurring are purely emotional and social problems, not due to cognitive limitations.
• The subject showed a tendency to withdraw, frequently sitting alone during recess (4–5 times a week), and refusing play invitations from peers (2–3 times a week).
• Emotional responses emerged in the form of tension and crying when approached or invited to communicate by teachers at school.
• Projective psychological analysis indicated the presence of emotional distance in family relationships, where the mother figure was perceived as assertive and less expressive, while the father figure was viewed as strong.

According to Sandra Limbanadi and Amanda Pasca Rini from the University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya, continuous intervention is urgently needed to help children overcome these social interaction barriers. Synergy between schools through supportive counseling approaches and families through the application of positive parenting styles has proven capable of restoring children's psychological safety and comfort. This step is crucial to ensure children can adapt optimally in social and educational environments without being burdened by family problems.

Author Profile:

• Sandra Limbanadi – Researcher and academic from the University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya with expertise in psychology.
• Amanda Pasca Rini – Researcher and academic from the University of August 17, 1945 Surabaya with expertise in psychology.

Research Source:

• Article Title: Case of Social Interaction Problems in Children Related to Changes in Family Conditions Following Parental Divorce at SDN X
• Journal Name: International Journal of Education and Life Sciences (IJELS), Vol. 4, No. 8
• Publication Year: August 2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijels.v4i8.66