Parental Divorce
Divorce Negatively Impacts Children and Should Be Avoided Wherever Possible When parents decide to get a divorce, it may negatively affect their children’s social and emotional well being. They might start to develop behavioral problems and start to display some signs of mental distress. However, if the marital relationship was extremely hostile and abusive, it is usually better for the children if the parents divorce. If the child was living in a stressful environment prior to the divorce, the separation is usually better for their social and emotional well being.
Arguments Against Divorce
Developmental Problems In the United States, approximately 40-50% of first time marriages end in divorce, therefore affecting about one million children per year (US Census Bureau, 2002). Several studies conducted with in the last thirty to forty years have shown that children of divorce may have an increased risk of developing behavioral, emotional, social, and academic problems (Amato, 2008). Marital discord can have negative consequences on children because when children observe arguments between parents, it is a stressor for the children. They may react to this conflict by displaying feelings of anger and fear and this interferes with their normal behavior. Children may even start to blame themselves for their parents marital issues, leaving them with feelings of guilt and lower self esteem. While witnessing these fights, children may develop poor social and communication skills, which could affect the quality of their future social relationships (Amato, 2008). Because of these emotional and social problems, the children may lash out and change their normal behavior. Problematic behavior can lead to academic frustrations and the child may loose interest in their education.
Parenting Problems After a divorce, children experience a change in parenting. They may not receive as much attention or effective parenting from the custodial parent (usually the
Arguments Against Divorce
Developmental Problems In the United States, approximately 40-50% of first time marriages end in divorce, therefore affecting about one million children per year (US Census Bureau, 2002). Several studies conducted with in the last thirty to forty years have shown that children of divorce may have an increased risk of developing behavioral, emotional, social, and academic problems (Amato, 2008). Marital discord can have negative consequences on children because when children observe arguments between parents, it is a stressor for the children. They may react to this conflict by displaying feelings of anger and fear and this interferes with their normal behavior. Children may even start to blame themselves for their parents marital issues, leaving them with feelings of guilt and lower self esteem. While witnessing these fights, children may develop poor social and communication skills, which could affect the quality of their future social relationships (Amato, 2008). Because of these emotional and social problems, the children may lash out and change their normal behavior. Problematic behavior can lead to academic frustrations and the child may loose interest in their education.
Parenting Problems After a divorce, children experience a change in parenting. They may not receive as much attention or effective parenting from the custodial parent (usually the
References: Amato, P. R. (November 2000). The Consequences of Divorce for Adults and Children. Journal of Marriage & Family. 62(4), 1269-1287 Amato, P.R. & Cheadle, J.E. (March 2008). Parental Divorce, Marital Conflict and Children’s Behavior Problems: A Comparison of Adopted and Biological Children. Social Forces, 86(3), 1139-1161. Jolivet, K.R. (2011). The Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children: What is a Family Lawyer to Do? American Journal of Family Law. 25 (4), 175-183. Laumann-Billings, L., & Emery, R.E. (2000). Distress among young adults from divorced families. Journal of Family Psychology, 14, 671-687. Morrison, D.R., & Coiro, M.J. (August 1999). Parental Conflict and Marital Disruption: Do Children Benefit When High-Conflict Marriages Are Dissolved? Journal of Marriage and the Family. 61, 626-637. US Census Bureau (2002) Current Population Report, pp. 20-547, Table C3. Welch, K.J. (2010). Family Life Now (2nd ed). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon