Final answer:
Extended family can provide emotional support after a divorce, offering stability especially for children living in mother-headed households. They contribute to better adjustment for children affected by the change in family dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research, which statement best characterizes the role of extended family after a divorce? The most accurate statement is that they can help provide emotional support. The extended family's involvement can be very influential in providing both social and emotional guidance during times of family upheaval, such as a divorce. Grandmothers and other extended family members can often provide stability and a sense of continuity for children, which is especially vital given that nearly three-fourths of children from divorced parents live in mother-headed households.
While boys show less aggression when they live or have joint arrangements with their fathers, and girls tend to be more responsible when living with their mothers, the overarching theme is that a strong parent-child relationship greatly improves a child's adjustment to divorce. This can be supported by extended family members, who offer additional love, support, and stability.