Impacts of Divorce on Children

Abstract

Divorce is the social phenomenon that does not only affect two people that are in the relationship of marriage but also those who are in a relationship of marriage but also those who are attached to them. The most visible effect of marriage and can be observed on the children specially those who are underage. They are not able to understand the complication of the relationships so the effects of divorce on children are devastating. In most cases, the children are much more significantly and negatively affected than their parents. This paper deals with the study and the analysis regarding the effect of divorce on children particularly on the age group under 18. This includes the long term and the short-term effects that have been undertaken by many sociologist and psychologists.

Impacts of Divorce on Children

Introduction

The effects of divorce that had been evident on children had been a matter of study for the sociologist and to the psychologist since many years. Children have exhibited a wide array of behavioral oddities, psychological disturbances and even growth impairments in most cases. In the case of divorce, there is a separation of parents so the children have to opt with their parents, and is usually accompanied by the removal of a one parent, usually father, so the children are not able to cover this huge loss throughout life. It made them to go through mental and psychological trauma. These effects can be short termed or long termed (Furstenberg& Teitler, 1994). It has been studied, observed and agreed over time that the interactions of both parents are needed in for a child to grow up mentally, physically and emotionally well. Studies have shown that the children emit some common and some unique characteristics when faced with their parents divorced. Since every individual is different from the other in many aspects so it is not easy predict the effect accurately therefore it vary in individuals. Therefore, this study deals with the effects of children who are below 18 (Wilson, 2008).

Discussion

The demographics and the statistics of the divorce have been alarming. In Spain, it has grown and has reached the percentage of 30%. The rate is observed to be 40% in America since there has been a fall in the rate of divorce in past few years. The causes of divorce and its effects on children is one if the biggest dilemmas faced by the population of any country. It is certainly a social issue that needs to be addressed by the people. A rule of thumb says that the more conflicts between the parents, the more issues a child will experience in his or her life. In addition, there are several effects such as anger, depression, detachment, lower academic performance, less achievements, less parental support, conflicts in future life (own marriage life), lack of self-actualization, inability to adjust in society, etc.

Effect according to Gender

As mother receives custody of parenting the child, therefore, boys are at more risk than the ...