Prevention of Divorce-Related Problems in Dutch 4- to 8-Year-Olds

Abstract

Objective: Parental divorce has strong impacts on children. Evidence-based programs to support young children after parental divorce are rare. The U.S.-developed Children of Divorce Intervention Program (CODIP) is one of these. CODIP’s effectiveness outside the U.S. setting is to be further replicated. This study aimed at cultural adaptation of CODIP for Dutch 4- to 8-year-olds, evaluation of the feasibility of adapted CODIP-Netherlands modules (CODIP-NL) in the Dutch setting, and comparison with U.S. results. Methods: A pilot study ( N = 43) was conducted, comprising nine CODIP-NL groups. Results: Results showed intermediate and end users to be satisfied. Outcomes improved regarding mother-, teacher-, and group leader–reported child functioning. Standardized effect estimates were smaller than those found in the United States. Conclusions: CODIP-NL seems to be a feasible and satisfactory method to reduce divorce-related problems in Dutch 4- to 8-year-olds. This study could provide guidance to researchers interested in adapting research-based interventions to different cultural settings.