How Does Divorce Impact Your Family?

How Does Divorce Impact Your Family?

While there is some room for debate, a number of researchers have concluded that 50% of couples end their marriages. Additionally, research has shown that the rate of separation only increases with each new union. By the time, an individual is on their third spouse they only have a 27% chance of success. While divorce has absolutely become the norm, it can still be a difficult event for all those involved, and it can be an emotional and psychological struggle for both parents and children. If you are currently considering or in the middle of a separation, it is important to understand the potential effects and work to mitigate the potential consequences.

 

What Should Women Expect?

While women are two times more likely to initiate a separation than men, they can still experience a number of problems. Women typically make the emotional adjustment more quickly because they utilize support systems as they work to cope with the change. However, many women have to overcome judgment that stems from social stigmas. Typically, after divorce women become the primary care provider for their children, which comes with a number of burdens. While many must seek outside care for their children, they are often judged for doing so. Additionally, women are typical left with significantly less financial security for themselves and their children.

 

What Should Men Expect?

Men typically take a longer time to adjust emotionally to separation from their spouse. In addition, they typically have a difficult time letting go of the relationship. They may hold on to the hope of salvaging the union. Men can also find it difficult to renegotiate their parental role, and may feel impacted by less time spent with their children. Many men also feel a significant decline in their social connections once the marriage has ended.

 

What Your Children May Experience?

Many traditional studies have linked divorce to negative behavior in children. However, in the past few decades, they have discovered that much of the negative impact on children is a result of conflict and argument their parents split. Typically, if a marriage was highly confrontational, then children will demonstrate negative behaviors before and after the separation. Both boys and girls are impacted by conflict, but they express it in different ways. While boys are apt to act out, girls are likely to internalize their feelings and demonstrate symptoms of depression. Due to financial constraints, children may also have to go to childcare rather than come home to a parent. These smaller adjustments can also have an emotional and psychological impact.

While many of these issues may seem overwhelming to tackle, they can be overcome. If a couple works on effective and clear communication with each other, they can mitigate the impact on both their children and themselves. Mediators can be an excellent help in establishing effective lines of communication during divorce.