...Children of Divorce Kirsten Honahan Devry University Children of Divorce Divorce is never a goal when people get married, but in today’s society it has become the norm. Why is it that so many do divorce? I believe the stigma of being divorced is not there anymore, meaning it’s not a bad thing. Divorce being so common now I believe people are in a throw away society, the commonality is too popular. We are in a society now that if something is too hard we just give up and throw it away. Why are people so consumed with themselves and not with others especially when it comes to their children, we are in a selfish society and it is all about me. I understand when abuse is involved and the necessary steps to remove yourself from that situation. I’m focusing on married people who decide to dissolve a marriage whatever the reason besides violence. Being a child of divorce myself the questions I still have are, did you really try hard enough or it must have been easier to give up. Was it that bad that you had to move out of a beautiful home into a rented run down home you could barely afford. Do parents consider the consequences children will experience when they do divorce or do they just think of themselves. Marriage is not easy being in one myself almost twenty five years; having children myself I made it my goal to raise two stable productive people of society. I’m sure that is a goal for every parent, but I put my children first besides my own needs. Nothing...
Words: 2788 - Pages: 12
...Theme: Family Topic: Children of Divorce Title: Consequences of parental divorce for child development. Hyun Sik Kim is likely against too much government influence on schools and feels that government control is detrimental. Intended audience: The American Sociological Review (ASR) publishes original (not previously published) works of interest to the discipline in general, new theoretical developments, results of qualitative or quantitative research that advance our understanding of fundamental social processes, and important methodological innovations. All areas of sociology are welcome. Emphasis is on exceptional quality and general interest. Writer’s background: Hyun Sik Kim is a PhD candidate in sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently working on a dissertation titled ‘‘The Dynamic Development of Cognitive Skills and Non-cognitive Traits in Childhood.’’ His scholarly interests include child development, statistical methods, demography, and educational inequality. Writer’s angle: This article examined the effects of parental divorce on several childhood developmental domains within three analytically distinct divorce stages: pre-, in-, and post-divorce. Part 1: The one-sentence summary Hyun Sik Kim (2011) To summarize, I found setbacks among children of divorce in math test scores during and after the experience of parental divorce (i.e., significant combined effects of the in- and post-divorce effect), a negative in-divorce effect on interpersonal...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...Children of Divorce MBrooks University Abstract Within the past 30 years it is safe to say that divorce is an epidemic that has affected about fifty percent of families in the United States. When discussing the topic of divorce, one must think about the many issues they must face in the ‘long term’, and in the present that affects children. Many problems have added to the family’s interaction before the divorce, as well as, ongoing conflict afterward. The stages of divorce affect children in different ways depending on their coping skills in their stage of development. Furthermore, the consequences of divorce may impact the child’s overall sense of security in meeting their most basic needs. Studies have also shown that children’s responses to divorce can attribute to behavioral problems. Children mimic what they see, so reassuring your children is a vital part of getting them through this difficult time. Further discussions will pose positive attributes due to a great support system and having well-adjusted children after divorce. Children of Divorce Vows are exchanged in the presence of our Father, and the verse that changes everything from that moment of promise on is—“a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? Matthew 19:5. ’And, you may kiss the bride…” Blissful couples leave the church with the intention of living happily ever after, not really thinking the statistics are against them from...
Words: 1418 - Pages: 6
...the divorce rate in Maryland 2.9 per 1,000 total populations residing in the area. The divorce rate throughout the whole United States in 2010 was 3.6 per 1,000 total populations. (Marriage and Divorce) The rate that people are getting divorced is an increasing number by weeks to months to years. The little to no thought that gets put into people getting married, but do not realize the negative outcomes divorce has on a single person. “20 to 25 percent of children do show signs that they are not dealing well with this change in the relationship between their mothers and fathers, and some of the problems they develop may continue into adult life.” (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services) Divorce for children can be a confusing and sensitive topic to live through or talk about, it can be frightening, life changing, and unpredictable. Divorce has a negative affect on children they drop out of school, abuse substances, behave in sexual acts, relationships with their parents decline, and social classes might be affected. The first divorce in America was on January 5, 1643. “In the first record of a legal divorce in the American colonies, Anne Clarke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony is granted a divorce from her absent and adulterous husband, Denis Clarke, by the Quarter Court of Boston, Massachusetts. In a signed and sealed affidavit presented to John Winthrop Jr., the son of the colony's founder, Denis Clarke admitted to abandoning his wife, with whom he had two children, for...
Words: 1712 - Pages: 7
...The Impact of Divorce on Children Abstract This paper will present an overview of the impact of divorce on children and some of the ways that are intended to help children of divorce to successfully function in society. The impact of divorce on children takes many different forms. From mental and physical health concerns to financial instability, children suffer the most in the divorce situation. When a couple, who have children, divorces it affects the whole family. Children of divorced parents experience school and social related problems. Their routines are disrupted and they feel disconnected from one or the other parent. Custodial arrangements are another factor of impact for the children. This causes emotional stress and behavioral problems to develop within the child. Financial instability is another factor for children of divorced parents. In some cases a single parent household cannot maintain living conditions of the previous joint household. Children of couples, who divorce, are challenged in many different ways to cope with the reality of their new situation. These children often struggle in their environment due to many different factors but there are ways to help with the situation. The Impact of Divorce on Children The impact of divorce on children takes many different forms. From mental and physical health concerns to financial instability; children suffer the most in the divorce situations. When a couple, who have children, divorces it affects the...
Words: 1617 - Pages: 7
...The Impact of Divorce on Children under the Age of 18 Leroy James Phoenix University Abstract This paper explores references in regards to divorce and the effect that it has on our children. Articles along with books related to divorce and children will make up the entirety of this research paper. A variety of information will be derived from each reference that will expound on children’s reaction to their parents’ divorce. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano (2006) suggest that children see no benefit in divorce because the end of their parents’ marriage is a complete loss turning their lives upside down. This paper also examines researches on play therapy and storytelling that delves into children’s thoughts and feelings about their parents’ divorce. Clarke-Stewart and Brentano (2006) also suggest that most children just wish that their parents would get back together and shape up. This issue is definitely something to pay well attention to because of its effect on our children and society. It has been revealed that a computer search of books and articles in the database PsycINFO reveals more than four thousand on the topic of “children of divorce”—half of them in the past decade. Overall this paper will attempt to cover a majority of children base issues pertaining to their parents’ divorce and their struggle to make adjustments to cope with the major changes that comes along with the aftermath. Divorce is an epidemic that’s running...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...THE EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN CPANCF.COM (352) 336-2888 Originally submitted 1/1/2001 and previously published in Gainesville Family Magazine All Rights Reserved: Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida Gainesville and Ocala, FL | The Effects Of Divorce On Children by Lesley Foulkes-Jamison, Ph.D., Private Practice, South Carolina When parents decide to divorce or separate, their child or children are faced with multiple stressors. Just knowing that things are going to be different after a divorce, but not knowing exactly how can be frightening for most children. Children from divorced families have to learn to cope with the many changes in their family. The amount of contact with one parent, often their father, will be reduced. Children may have to move from their family home or change schools. They may have a decreased standard of living. They may have to live in two homes. They may have more responsibility placed on them. The custodial parent may be physically and psychologically less available for children due to increased demands. Often, children initially focus on these immediate negative effects of the family breaking up, and do not find comfort in knowing that other families that have divorced eventually do okay. Adjustment to divorce can take up to two years or even longer. Many children will adjust to their parents' divorce, but some will continue to have significant...
Words: 3470 - Pages: 14
...EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN Marriage by mutual consent is without a doubt one of the most important and happy events in the life of an individual. When two people meet and once decide to create a family, it may seem they will stay together forever. However, the reality brings in its own adjustments, and about 50% of marriages end up with a divorce in the USA (Trust). Though divorce is often a psychologically difficult procedure, adults can deal with the consequences. The situation changes to worse if the couple gave birth to a child, who is often the one to suffer the most from divorce. Divorce causes different emotional reactions in children of different ages. Preschoolers, who are often unable to understand the reasons behind their parents’ divorce, tend to blame themselves and feel responsible for bringing their parents back together again (Clinical Psychology Associates). Children of 6-8 years continue to have similar fantasies, though the feeling of guilt and responsibility for the divorce decreases; they, however, experience a strong sense of grief and loss. Children of 9-12 years are able to understand the reasons of their parents’ divorce better, and tend to consciously express their anger and disapproval, and take the side of one of the parents. As it can be seen, divorce causes intense emotional distress in children, and can make them feel guilty and responsible for bringing their parents back together. Children and teenagers whose parents are divorced...
Words: 626 - Pages: 3
...Divorce is an unfortunate event for any family, particularly those with children. Studies have shown that approximately 25% of children whose parents divorce suffer psychologically, socially, and academically at some point in their lives. For the most part, research on divorce focuses solely on divorce in the immediate aftermath, usually a two to five-year window, so nothing is set in stone. Nonetheless, it is crucial for parents who have decided on divorce to keep in mind that their separation is not only about them. Their children are in just as deep.One major concern is that the children of divorce will come to the conclusion that their parents no longer love them. If one parent moves out, some children will assume responsibility for the separation and respond accordingly. Other children will feel abandoned and betrayed in some fashion, as though their parents have divorced them as well. Without any reassurance, these children may develop fears of abandonment. On occasion, the children involved are too young to understand the goings-on, but regardless of age, they need their parents to support them and their feelings to show them that they are not completely powerless.Conflicts of loyalty can also come into play. Particularly if the divorce is messy and full of conflict, a child may feel obligated to choose a side. This can be extremely traumatic for children; they love both parents dearly and do not want to choose between them. Divorces are difficult for everyone involved...
Words: 656 - Pages: 3
...Divorce has become the norm in American society, but what has not become the norm are the effects that it has on children. Divorce impacts all individuals connected to the relationship but children are effected the most. Because of their innocence and immaturity they are not able to cope with the stressful events and aftermath of divorce like adults are able to. No one knows exactly how a child will react to divorce but more than not their behavior can be characterized as explosive and sporadic. The purpose of this research paper is to provide credible information on the effects that divorce has on children and the impact that it makes on their overall outlook on life before and after the divorce occurred. It will also highlight the stress that comes along with the relationship between parent and child as well as some insight on common practices used to help the children cope with the overall impact of divorce. Last but not least I will be adding some insight from my own personal experience about the effects of divorce. The demise or end of marriage has various and lasting effects on everyone connected to the couple going through that situation. Along with that comes a huge amount of stress, ill willed feelings, confusion, emptiness, and a plethora of other things that I would need three more pages to list. Children are the most vulnerable to the effects of these things. With their simple mind set and understanding of things, the concept of daddy and mommy not living...
Words: 1636 - Pages: 7
...The Impact of Divorce on Children A Review how Divorce Impact Children under 18 Liberty University Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to understand the impact of divorce on children under 18. Each year over million Americans children experience the divorce of their parents, Divorces causes irreparable damage to all involved, but most specifically to the children. A major impact of divorce is on the children and parent relationship. The pain experienced by children is stressful as they see their family brake-down and disconnect as a hole. It take them to a dark place of emotionally and psychologically, thwarting upon the child well – being. Divorce negative impacts individuals and society in numerous other ways, such as religious practice, financial struggles, social skills and life styles, as well as children health and well-being. It is very important for parents to not let their children see any conflicts between them, and be able to co-parent with a line of communication that would be beneficial to the child development and growth. As a parent we all want the best for our children. When adults get married pray to keep their marriage together, until death do them apart. When there are kids involved most parents do their best to keep their family together for the sake of the children. Sadly to say it’s not always that simple, and the children end up suffering from their parents’ divorce. Divorcing parents are usually very concerned about the welfare...
Words: 1625 - Pages: 7
...Effects of Divorce on Children Elizabeth O’Connor Psychology 210 Liberty University Online Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to examine the effects divorce has on children. This paper will look at several areas of child development and introduce some statistics on children affected by divorce. It will discuss pre and post-divorce family environments and the factors that lead to it, as well as the effects 25 years post-divorce. It will also summarize studies conducted by other researchers and present ideas found to be true from clinical interviews and following a group of children from 18 months post parental divorce to 25 years later. Other topics will include family functioning pre and post-divorce, the impact of father involvement post-divorce; as well as common behavioral issues present with children of parental divorce families. In conclusion a summary of how variations in home life, parenting style and personalities can affect the outcome of long term effects on children of parental divorce. I. Introduction Several studies have been conducted over the years analyzing the effects divorce has on children. This research has proved to be a valuable tool in the field of psychology. This year over one million children will experience parental divorce (Demo & Supple, 2003) and the effects can last a lifetime. Of those one million children fifty percent of them are under the age of six (Wallerstein & Lewis, 2004). II. Statistics In the United...
Words: 2037 - Pages: 9
...The Impact of Divorce on Children Lisa Greatwhite Liberty University PSYC 210-D07 Abstract Compared to forty years ago the divorce rate has increased at an alarming rate. Leaving the children torn and confused about their lives before and after. Children that where once seen as resilient are now seen as vulnerable. There is a vast amount of research that supports how children are affected before, during and after their parents’ divorce. Some of the issues that impact children can cause short-term psychological issues. Leaving those children that are affected to act out in various ways, from regressing backward in the developmental process to psychosocial well-being as it relates to academic performance. Long-term effects for children that result from divorce remain present throughout life. The adult child of divorce may carry unresolved issues into their own relationships. This behavior can put the adult child in high risk for divorce. With this understanding many schools and courts are beginning to offer ways to help children emotionally and socially through counseling and interventions. The Impact of Divorce on Children The research conducted on the divorce rate in the last decade has shown a steady climb. Daniel Pickar (2003), stated in an article from Sonoma county Medical Association, “Forty percent of all children growing up in America today will experience a parental divorce”. (Pickar 2003, p. 1) Most contributed the drastic increase to the court laws on what...
Words: 1764 - Pages: 8
...Composition 18 March 2015 The Affects Divorce Has on Children “But in the real world, you couldn’t really just split a family down the middle, mom on one side, dad the other, with the child equally divided between. It was like when you ripped a piece of paper into two: no matter how you tried, the seams never fit exactly right again. It was what you couldn't see, those tiniest of pieces, that were lost in the severing, and their absence kept everything from being complete.” - Sarah Dessen Throughout the United States divorce has increasingly risen in the past years. “In 2000, 49% of US marriages ended in divorce” (Gianoulis). Children everywhere are becoming the products of broken families; caught in between a mommy and daddy, when before, there was no choice. Before, all there was was comfort, familiarity and stability. Although divorce may seem like the best option in an unhappy situation, the affects on the children’s emotional state can be harmful. These effects are emotionally, psychological, academically, socially, and economically damaging. To begin, in a study by Laumann-Billings and Emery they found that children of divorce suffer emotionally. This allows for new generations of broken families to be made. The saying “the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree” would apply. In the article, Divorce by Brackett and Woolly, the authors say approximately 400,000 of the estimated million cases of divorce a year result in children being “emotionally disturbed.” Research...
Words: 1888 - Pages: 8
...The Effects of Divorce on Children Christopher M Quinn Developmental Psychology Liberty University Abstract This research paper will attempt to shed light of the very real issue of the effects of divorce on children in the United States and abroad. It is estimated that currently fifty-three percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce or other less than amicable methods; of these marriage dissolutions, seven out of ten involve children. This paper will attempt to connect the negative psychological impacts that are attached to the lives of children especially in the vulnerable early developmental stages of a child’s life. This research paper will pull from many different reputable sources that include a prominent university, psychiatric journals, and accredited psychology research papers. Today in the United States of America over fifty percent of all marriages, no matter what religion joined the couple, end in a divorce or less than amicable circumstances. There have been many theories presented over time as to why divorce occurs and why these rates have increased so dramatically over the last forty years. Some believe that the economy may play a role; others believe that the length of the engagement or relationship plays an important part; the couple living together prior to marriage “increases” the chance that divorce will result; or not cohabitating prior to marriage may contribute as the transition period is too stressful; still others believe...
Words: 1905 - Pages: 8
