The aim of this study was to examine the moderating effect of support from family and friends in children’s adjustment to parental divorce. Anxiety and self-esteem questionnaires as well as scales of support from family and friends were applied to 79 children aged 9 to 15, from 63 families in Croatia. Results showed that children of divorced parents with higher levels of family support had significantly higher levels of self-esteem and significantly lower levels of anxiety than children of divorced parents who had lower levels of family support. They also showed that children of divorced parents who had higher levels of support from friends had levels of self-esteem and anxiety similar to children of divorced parents who had lower levels of support from friends. Family support and support from friends moderately correlate. Children who received more family support had more support from friends, too. Correlations between family support and support from friends with self-esteem were also significant. Higher levels of support corresponded with higher self-esteem. There was negative correlation between self-esteem and anxiety. This study offers partial insight into the characteristics of divorced parents’ children and an opportunity to better understand and improve practical work with children and families who have the experience of divorce.

parental divorce, family and friends support, children’s adjustment