Analysis of conflict experiences during divorce on the basis of strategic family therapy a mixed method research

As a result of the attempt to understand and analyze conflicts experienced by individuals in the period of divorce, the goal of this study is to present the states of conflicts, attempts to repair the damages caused by those conflicts and services individuals need to control problematic periods throughout divorce. The purpose of this study is to present a model suggestion for the related studies and researches in literature. The method of this research is the mixed method. Structured (controlled) observation technique was used in the quantitative dimension of the research; a total of 200 trials in 11 different family courts in Ankara Sıhhiye Courthouse were observed. In terms of the qualitative dimension of the research, in-depth interviews were held with 9 individuals with ongoing divorce cases besides 7 judges, 5 lawyers and 14 court specialists (35 individuals in total). Quantitative data obtained from the observation process were firstly analyzed with SPSS 23.0 for Windows Program. MAXQDA 12 Qualitative Data Analysis program was used for analyzing qualitative data. Both data sets were combined by using Caracelli and Greene's data support (combining) strategy and mixed analysis was carried out. The analyses results indicate that the conflicts experienced throughout the process of divorce aren't independent of the conflicts the couples experience throughout marriage. According to the analysis results, the conflicts between spouses increase especially during the legal process because of a variety of factors such as witness statements, petitions, defenses of attorneys and statements of judges. On the other hand, it is observed that the process of divorce doesn't only include spouses and children; it also includes families of spouses, close friends, relatives, neighbors in small scale and society in a larger scale. Individuals don't have sufficient social support system and the already existing social support system such as family may increase conflicts, change the dimension of conflict issues or broaden the borders of conflicts. It is intended to present the services needed by individuals throughout divorce in the light of the obtained data in the scope of this study; as a result of this study process, the model created on the basis of strategic family therapy and in the borders of conflict management is conceptualized as "Peaceful social divorce study" and contributions are made to the divorce studies. In addition to the above-mentioned findings, results of the study indicate that as the services that should be given to spouses during divorce are insufficient, it is necessary to make changes in social welfare services and it is crucial to integrate new service models into divorce studies. On the other hand, research results show that it is necessary to redefine the concepts of marriage and divorce.