The current study explored the research question: What is the structure and essence of the experience of divorcing individuals as they are involved in a suburban, faith-based, divorce support group? An extensive review of literature and prior observations revealed all but four studies utilized quantitative methodologies. However, no research has been completed which specifically explores the divorce experience with phenomenology. A qualitative study with a phenomenological perspective was guided by ten open-ended focused interview questions. Eight co-researchers, four men and four women, were participants in a 14-week divorce support group with the researcher that revealed rich personal descriptions by participants in their own words. The data were processed by epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and the synthesis of composite textural-structural descriptions of the phenomenon. Analysis of 74 meaning units revealed six core themes as follows: (a) disbelief with shame connected to identity, (b) forms of cognitive dissonance and immobility, (c) tendencies of self-protection and blame, (d) recognition of need to change self, (e) facing reality on the journey through life, and (f) a willingness to examine the quality of their interpersonal relationships. The synthesis of meanings and essences illuminated the very existence and the solitary struggles of co-researchers in the divorce process. Implications of the findings are practical from both a personal and professional perspective and include common hindrances that impede encouragement and helpful responses to encourage and connect relationships in communication with a divorced individual.

Keywords: "[divorce definition(s); children and divorce; effects of divorce; divorce process; coherence; consistency; divorce recovery; divorce group; divorce experience; divorce and men; divorce and women; divorce and society; divorce populations; divorce and culture; divorce and religion; divorce and spirituality; divorce and morality; relationship(s) and divorce; hermeneutics; human nature; moral relativism; new age; pluralism; postmodernism; phenomenology; phenomenology experience; qualitative research and divorce; remarriage; remarriage and divorce; multiple divorces; multiple remarriages; and worldview]"