Divorce: A phenomenological study on estrangement in fathers in older adulthood

This proposed study will be to look at the phenomenon of estrangement framed in the family system theory through a Biblical lens. The qualitative interpretive approach will look at a minimum of ten individuals who have been or are currently experiencing the outcomes of familial estrangement that occurred between fathers and their adult children. This destructive phenomenon has been found to increase the risk of negative mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress, feelings of grief, and loss for those within the family unit. The growing number of parent-adult-child estrangements highlights the need to study the lived experiences of those within the family experiencing its effects. Literature notes the negative and positive attributions of the estrangement evolution in which one member of the family has voluntarily exited the once-thought non-voluntary relationship within the family system. Contained within those decisions to exit the relationship lies many factors; some are perceived to be so life-altering that they justify a departure from the family unit. Literature supports that this socially situated phenomenon has multiple challenges and long-reaching effects that transcend through the life course of the dyad. The study aims to consider the long-lasting effect, if any, the estrangement has on the dyadic attachment.