Psychological Adaptation and Emotional Development among Adolescents from Disrupted Family Structures

Abstract

Adolescents from disrupted family structures often face complex psychological challenges that influence their emotional development and adaptive capacities. Family disruption—such as parental divorce, separation, prolonged conflict, or loss—can alter emotional security and interpersonal relationships during a critical developmental stage. This study aims to explore how adolescents psychologically adapt to disrupted family environments and how these experiences shape their emotional development. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews and reflective narratives from adolescents who have experienced family disruption. The findings reveal that adolescents demonstrate diverse adaptation patterns, ranging from emotional withdrawal and heightened sensitivity to the development of emotional resilience and independence. Emotional development in disrupted family contexts is characterized by fluctuating self-esteem, difficulties in emotional regulation, and challenges in forming secure social relationships. However, the presence of social support, positive coping strategies, and personal meaning-making processes plays a significant role in fostering emotional maturity and psychological stability. This study highlights the importance of understanding adolescents’ subjective experiences in disrupted families and underscores the need for supportive interventions that address emotional regulation, identity formation, and adaptive coping. The findings contribute to psychological and developmental research by offering an in-depth perspective on emotional growth within non-intact family structures.