In the name of time: Duration as a distinct stressor during an enduring conflictual divorce

Abstract

Researchers have traditionally viewed conflictual divorce as a form of marital separation characterized by intense conflicts between the divorcing partners, but only recently has there been more focus on its temporal dimension. However, it remains unclear how the duration of this conflict-ridden process itself acts as a stressor, and how divorcees cope with it. This study involved a sample of 21 individuals living in Lithuania still legally married but undergoing divorce for periods ranging from 6 months to up to 5 years. We utilized a grounded theory design to explore how individuals encounter the duration of their divorce and how it plays a role in their interaction with external world. Data was collected through two waves of interviews. The findings suggest that the duration is largely linked to heightened experiences of uncertainty and unpredictability, transitioning from acute to entrenched over time. Individuals employ various strategies to increase clarity and reduce stress, although they may not always achieve the desired outcomes. The article concludes with recommendations for both professionals and divorcees themselves.