DIVORCE

Impact of Divorce on Children

Impact of Divorce on Children

Introduction

When a marriage ends in divorce all individuals connected to the relationship are impacted. There are perhaps none so affected as children. Because of their innocence and immaturity, children are unable to process stressful events as adults are. Their reactions and behavior can range from subtle to explosive. The purpose of this paper is to provide research that illuminates that various facets of impact upon a child with the demise of a marriage. Relationships with parents, and sibling are all pivotal in the life of a child. These, along with therapeutic interventions, statistics, future outlook, and biblical underpinnings discussed. Finally, the author, an adult child of divorce, will provide personal reflection about the subject.

The ultimate end to a marriage is tragic and its affect ripples throughout the lives connected to that couple. Chaos and stress, probably feelings that have been prevalent for some time prior to divorce, ensue and impact the now divided family unit. Children are particularly vulnerable to the affects of divorce. Unable to understand and process such complex matters of life, children resort to alternative ways of expressing their heartache and confusion. The fact is that the divorce of parents remains with children, to some degree, all of their lives. Any adult child of divorce can relay past feelings that accompanied the demise of their caretaker's marriage. Regardless of the passage of time, few children of divorce are unable to provide some recollection of pain. Relationships often strained, physiology and psychology affected, and the future can seem bleak. When we understand the gravity with which a child impacted by divorce, the hope is that couples will devote energy toward any and all opportunities to salvage the marriage. (Hines, 1997)

There are also potential problems with lower self-esteem, truancy, health problems, and problems forming long-term relationships themselves later in life. Loss of a male role model may be significant to children, particularly boys, but there is evidence to support the argument that if other male role models are available in the family, these effects can be alleviated. For some children, divorce may be a release from some of the negative aspects of their parents' relationship; for example, domestic violence or frequent arguments. The bond in particular between daughters and mothers can become stronger after divorce. If children see their parents happier after separation and perhaps in new, happier relationships, this can have a positive effect. After divorce, the most positive outcomes for children seen where the ongoing relationship between parents is amicable (Hetherington, 1999).

Thesis Statement

Children from separated and divorced families do less well in their scholastic achievements and during the periods of their lives, compared to children livng in a stable family with both parents.

Review of the Literature

There is much discussion in the fields of psychology and sociology about the effects of separation and divorce on children. Older children are more likely than younger children to live in a household without one biological parent. There is some evidence that children from separated and divorced families do less well ...