The theoretical and empirical literature reviewed above suggests that family
transitions have critical influences on the lives of family members. Characteristics of
parents are also associated with children’s well-being. Difficulties within the marital
relationship change family dynamics and affect children’s well-being. Thus, divorce may
be an indicator of disadvantage in children’s lives. This study employs qualitative
methods in examining, describing and understanding the internal and external pressures
and complex factors at play in relationships affecting Thai families in Bangkok.
Qualitative methods, based on the use of open-ended questions and in-depth exploration
are especially useful in this study for two reasons.