Children and How They are Affected by Divorce

"The Psychological Effects of Relocation for Children of Divorce." Psychological Effects of Relocaction 15 (1998): 119-148. Hetherington, Mavis E., Martha Cox and Roger Cox. "Play and Social Interaction in Children Following Divorce." Journal of Social Issues 35.4 (1979): 26-49.

Individuals with divorced parents are at increased risk of experiencing psychological problems in adulthood (Amato & Sobolewski, 2001, p. 900). Growing up divorced has become an alternative developmental path for a substantial number of children in this country (Kalter, 1987, p. 587). These trends in family composition have major repercussions for the life course of children and their well-being. Studies have shown that adults with divorced parents, when compared with adults with continuously married parents, report to greater unhappiness, less satisfaction with life, a weaker sense of control, more symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a greater use of mental health services. Overall, most children of divorced parents have experienced dramatic declines in their economic circumstances, abandonment by one or both of their parents, the diminished capacity of both parents to attend meaningfully and constructively to their children’s needs, and diminished contact with many familiar or potential sources of psychological support.

A prime example of their misunderstanding was discovered in a British study. The study questioned both parents and children of recent divorces, and it found that children were far more distressed than parents had thought (Zinsmeister 3). A similar survey, done by Professor Jeanne Dise-Lewis, that asked junior high children to rate how stressful they consider certain life events found that only the death of a close family member ranked higher than parental divorce (Zinsmeister 2). Delfos suggests that what children of divorce desire the most is simply for their parents to become partners again, without the conflicts (241, 242). To children, divorce is a form of crisis; after such an event, children tend to lack needed emot... ... middle of paper ...

When divorced, the children go through many emotional changes. "Children of divorce are more depressed and aggressive toward parents and teachers than are youngsters from intact families. They are much more likely to develop mental and emotional disorders later on in life" (Leo 2000). Children and teenagers have a hard tim... ... middle of paper ... ... Salem press, Inc 1999 pp. 382.

The Effect of Divorce on Children Divorce, once uncommon in our society, is now becoming more and more frequent, disrupting our children's state of well-being. Some children of divorced families have long-term behavior problems such as depression, low self-esteem, poor school performance, acting out, and difficulties with intimate relationships. Children with divorced or divorcing parents often have a sense of abandonment, because their parents become too preoccupied with their own psychological, social, and economic distress that they forget about their kids? needs (Lamb and Sternberg, 1997). In 1988, Professor Jeanne Dise-Lewis conducted a survey of 700 middle school students.

Not only do the children suffer emotionally, but some often suffer financially as well. Children’s age at the time of their parent’s divorce and children’s gender have emerged as important considerations in attempts to understand how experiencing parents’ divorce affects children’s adjustment (pg. 402). Breaking the news of a divorce to a child is never an easy situation for either parent involved. Some studies illustrate children whose parent’s divorce when they were in pre-school show more long-term ad... ... middle of paper ...

(1987). The Marriages and Divorces of the Children of Divorce. Journal of Marriage And The Family, 49(4), 811-25.

This includes the relationship disturbances that are seen between parents and their children, how socially different their life becomes when divorce is present, and overall the future impact these children have on our society. During a divorce, each family member is affected in some way. The truth is most spouses as well as their children are not ready for the emotional and physical impact of divorce. Overall, divorce ends up disrupting the family life cycling process, adding intricacy to the development tasks already at hand. With the configuration of the family being altered, family members have to adjust to new situations and feelings.

?Children of Divorce: Is There a Personality Component?? Journal of Divorce and Remarriage 35 3/4 (2001): 107-124. Taylor, Raymond J. ?Listening to the Children: Children of Divorce Speak Out About Their Parents.? Journal of Divorce and Remarriage 35 1/2 (2001): 147-154.

Journal of Child & Family Studies, 21, 718. Zill, N., Morrison, D. R., & Coiro, M. J. (1993). Long-term effects of parental divorce on parent-child relationships, adjustment, and achievement in young adulthood. Journal of Family Psychology, 7, 91-103.