Divorcing spouses’ coping patterns, attachment bonding and forgiveness processes in the post-divorce experience

This study attempts to discern coping patterns of divorced individuals towards their former spouses. Based on two pilot studies, three coping patterns are examined with 30 divorced spouses. Three questions are asked: Are there different coping patterns among divorced individuals towards their former spouses? Is there a relation between these coping patterns and the attachment bonding towards former spouses? Is there a relation between these coping patterns and the understanding of forgiveness? All participants were at least two years after completion of their legal divorce. Results support three coping patterns with former spouse: integrative, semi-integrative and non-integrative. There was at least partial statistical support for the relation between these coping patterns and the attachment bonding, as well as the forgiveness understanding process. There is an indication that individuals who underwent therapy, due to their divorce, presented higher coping patterns.