Three men's experience of their journey to and through divorce: the unheard songs

Abstract

The psychological effects on, and the experience of divorce by women and children are widely researched. However little data is available on how divorce affects men and how they experience a marriage break-up. This study aims to explore and describe the `voices' (experiences) of divorce from three men's perspectives. The randomly selected sample for this study consisted of three participants'. Data was collected in the form of the participants own written testimonials. Out of the written testimonials themes were identified and explored by the researcher. This was done from an ecosystemic epistemological stance within the post-modern paradigm, with the symbolic use of music / popular songs to further `enhance' the exploration and description of the research participants' experiences of divorce. A qualitative methodological design was followed, allowing `unique' and personal `meaning' and experience to emerge. This study's results were presented in the form of `integrative' and descriptive text. Overall the study explicated unique descriptions of men's experiences of divorce with the creative application of music to enhance descriptions and experiences.