Bohannon 1970 Describes Six Stages Of Divorce Think Of A Cou

Bohannon 1970 Describes Six Stages Of Divorce Think Of A Couple R

Bohannon (1970) describes six stages of divorce. Think of a couple, real or fictional, who is in the process of divorce and describe the stage you think they are in. What communication difficulties are they likely to have during this stage? Source: Bohannon, P. Divorce and after. New York: Doubleday.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Divorce represents a complex and often painful process that unfolds over multiple stages, each characterized by distinct emotional, psychological, and communicative challenges. Bohannon (1970) delineates six predominant stages of divorce, providing a framework to understand the progression and dynamics involved. This paper applies Bohannon’s stages to a fictional couple, Emma and James, currently navigating the divorce process, and analyzes the specific communication difficulties they are likely to encounter at their current stage. Recognizing these challenges underscores the importance of effective communication strategies for facilitating healthier transitions during divorce.

The Six Stages of Divorce According to Bohannon

Bohannon's (1970) model outlines six stages: emotional isolation, externalization, diagnosis, confrontation, adjustment, and recovery. Each stage involves evolving emotional states and shifting communication patterns, affecting how partners interact and process their separation. The first stage, emotional isolation, involves feelings of loneliness and denial; the second, externalization, sees individuals projecting blame; diagnosis entails acknowledgment of the marriage’s breakdown; confrontation involves open conflict; adjustment focuses on settling legal and practical matters; and recovery signifies emotional healing and rebuilding life.

Case Study: Emma and James

Emma and James have been married for ten years, and recently, Emma initiated divorce proceedings after years of growing apart. Currently, they are in the diagnosis stage, where both recognize that their marriage is irreparable but struggle to communicate effectively about their feelings and next steps. Emma feels overwhelmed and guarded, while James experiences frustration and denial. They find themselves unable to openly discuss their emotions, fearing escalation or further hurt.

Communication Difficulties During Diagnosis

At this stage, communication difficulties are prevalent. Emma and James are likely to exhibit high levels of emotional distress, leading to misunderstandings, defensiveness, and withdrawal (Wang & Derks, 2018). Emma might avoid discussions altogether, fearing conflict, which results in diminished transparency. Conversely, James’s frustration could cause him to become accusatory, further polarizing the conversation and preventing constructive dialogue (Gottman & Silver, 2015). The lack of active listening impairs empathy, intensifying emotional barriers and prolonging the separation process (Noller & Feeney, 2008). Moreover, fears of legal or financial consequences may inhibit candid exchanges, creating a communication blockade.

Effective communication during the diagnosis phase requires the partners to develop emotional self-awareness and employ empathetic listening skills (Bevan & Lenger, 2020). Strategies like assertive communication, avoiding blame, and expressing feelings using “I” statements can help reduce defensiveness and foster mutual understanding. Professional counseling can also facilitate healthier dialogue, allowing each partner to feel heard and validated, thereby smoothing the emotional turbulent waters characteristic of this stage.

Implications for Practice and Future Outcomes

Recognizing the communication difficulties prevalent in the diagnosis stage enables mental health professionals, mediators, or the involved parties themselves to adopt targeted interventions. Enhancing communication skills can mitigate conflicts and promote cooperation, making subsequent stages—such as confrontation and adjustment—less adversarial. Moreover, fostering emotional literacy during this phase supports healthier emotional processing, reducing long-term psychological consequences.

Conclusion

Applying Bohannon's (1970) model to Emma and James exemplifies the typical communication challenges faced during the diagnosis stage of divorce. Their emotional turmoil and fear of conflict hinder open dialogue, emphasizing the need for empathetic, non-blaming communication strategies. Understanding these difficulties is crucial for managing divorce in a manner that minimizes emotional damage and fosters pathways for healing and eventual recovery.

References

• Bohannon, P. (1970). Divorce and after. Doubleday.
• Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (2015). The seven principles for making marriage work. Harmony Books.
• Bevan, J., & Lenger, L. (2020). Communication strategies in divorce proceedings. Journal of Family Studies, 26(3), 245-259.
• Noller, P., & Feeney, J. (2008). Communication in close relationships. Routledge.
• Wang, Q., & Derks, D. (2018). Emotional regulation and divorce communication. Communications Monographs, 85(2), 271-291.