Adolescents and Divorce

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Adolescence is a period of turmoil and change for youngsters. During this time in their lives, adolescents experience many types of stresses. Some of these stresses include identity crisis, relationships with family members and friends, and the physical changes that take place. Adolescence is a very trying time and it can be heightened when divorce is an additional problem to be dealt with. Divorce only adds to the turmoil and hardships of adolescence. The effects of a divorce can leave an individual feeling lonely and at fault for the break up of their parents.

Divorce is a family crisis, which could require a long period for recovery. Along with the turmoil associated with the adolescent stage of life, divorce adds other stresses. Adolescents are already confronted with numerous changes, including physical changes in the body and social adoptions, that the changes that occur as a result of a divorce could be overwhelming. They are also in the transition stage of separating themselves from their parents and developing into an adult. The adolescent is at the stage of development in which he must separate himself from his parents on order to establish as an adult?(Buchanan, p.70).

Being socially accepted is one of the more important aspects of this developmental stage. The development of relationships with friends allows for them to form an identity. The adolescent only accepts his or her identity if, and only if, the society feels that it is correct. Otherwise, they may feel inadequate and isolated from everyone else because the do not fit in with everyone else?s standards(Buchanan,14)

This developmental stage in one's life in conjunction with the effects of a divorce, make the changes much more difficult to overcome and accept. "How an adolescent copes with the problems of a divorce depends upon their emotional health and maturity level,"(Buchanan, p.71). Each individual may react in his or her own way. Some of these reactions can consist of hostility towards family, especially their parents, aggressiveness, and/or depression. They may make sudden choices that they might feel could be the answer to their problem. For instance, constant running away might occur which results in secluding oneself.

The behavior of females at this crucial time seems to be more of a disturbance, while the males showed to be more severe. The m...

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...ary Ellin Logue. "The Effects Of Parental Divorce On Students." Journal Of Divorce & Remarriage 46.3/4 (2007): 83-104. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.

Dufour, Sarah, and Brian L. Mishara. "Children's Reactions to Divorce and Separation."Partnership For Children. Partnership For Children, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2015.

Internet Sources Consulted

Antecol, Heather. Bedard, Kelly. “Does Single Parenthood Increase the Probability Of

Teenage Promiscuity, Substance Use, and Crime?” Journal of Population Economics 20.1 (2007): 55-71. Academic Search Premier. Web. 7 Apr. 2015.

Crouse, Shaw Janice. SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES. “No-Fault Divorce Hits Children Hardest.” Washington Times, The (DC) (2013): 3. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 20 Apr. 2015.

Fagan, Patrick F.Rector, Robert. “The Effects Of Divorce On America.” World & I 15.10 (2000): 56. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.

Kelsey, Linda. “Why divorce damages teenagers every bit as much as young children.” Daily Mail 29 Apr. 2010: 68. MainFile. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.

Moses, Eskind Marlene. “Helping Children Endure Divorce.” Tennessee Bar Journal 49.1 (2013): 34. MainFile. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.

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