Many parents may feel concerned about how their child may react to a divorce when it happens. Then, after a while, you may wonder whether your child’s behavior is still a result of an early divorce.
Here are a few findings on the psychological impacts that children of divorce may hold after they reach adulthood.
Likelihood to divorce
Many suggest that those who grow up with divorced parents are likely to divorce from their own marriages.
However, some studies indicate that the likelihood for individuals to divorce may be more dependent on whether their parents were happy together – divorced or not.
Children who are regularly exposed to a lot of conflict in their family may not learn relationship skills, such as how to resolve issues and make compromises for their partner. In some cases, it may be in the child’s best interests for high-conflict marriages to end.
Trust
Some studies have found that women, specifically, may feel less trusting in relationships if their parents were divorced. This may stem from a fear of rejection. The finding also reports that these women tend to be less satisfied in their relationships.
Other research indicates that trust issues may stem from the way the parents treat the divorce after the fact. For example, if divorced parents portray one another in a negative way to the child, the child may grow up wondering if their future partner will accept their flaws.
Relationship confidence
Some hypothesize that children of divorce may be apprehensive to begin a marriage or relationship. More research suggests that these adults may marry, but will take the commitment less seriously, due to a lack of confidence in the relationship’s likeliness to succeed.
On the other hand, research suggests that Millennials and some Gen-Xer’s are responsible for lower divorce rates. One expert suggested that because the younger generations don’t view marriage as necessary, marriages have become more exclusive among older couples who are more stable.
Following an example
Overall, most psychologists agree that the circumstances surrounding a divorce impact whether the child involved may adjust to it well or experience negative long-term issues.
Taking steps to resolve your divorce in an amicable fashion can reduce the conflict your child experiences and improve their potential to develop healthy, happy relationships when they grow up.
If you are considering a divorce, contact an experienced divorce attorney for guidance. An attorney can make the divorce easier on your family by helping you and your ex-spouse have healthy divorce discussions, learn best practices for a co-parenting plan, make compromises and more.
