...Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children Shantay Gonzalez Liberty University Abstract While divorce can most notably affect the adults in the relationship in a negative way, children also have a number of challenges that can be overlooked. Due to their inability to process certain aspects of life, children become susceptible to psychological trauma as a result of the divorce that unfortunately go unnoticed. Many children display antisocial behavior, an increase in externalizing behaviors, poor emotion regulation, and other maladaptive coping styles. While prevention is typically best to avoid potential psychological influences on adults and children alike, many programs have been established to work with children specifically who have been impacted by divorce. Post-divorce interventions focus primarily and solely on the children are necessary to the psychological health of children impacted by divorce. Still, there is a need for improvement in interventions such as preventative programs during the divorce proceedings that will allow the child to express their emotions and social perspectives. Keywords: divorce, children, psychological impact, behavior Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children The cases of divorce have been gaining ground since 1965 (Hetherington, 1979). Even by prior statistical reports, there seems to be no break in the amount of divorce cases filed each year. Couples get divorced for a number of reasons such as financial strain, incompatibility...
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...family on children “Broken” Homes: The Effect of Divorce on Children Going through a divorce is a very difficult situation to be in. Usually it is what is happening between the parents, that concerns most people. However hurtful divorce is on the couple that is going through it, the children end up with the greatest amount of problems. These problems that the children develop are not always obvious, and do no always come to the surface right away. “Most often the children responded to the announcement [of the divorce] with apprehensiveness or anger . . . Several children panicked . . . finally, a great many of the younger children, about one-third of the entire group, didn’t really believe what they had been told. For these youngsters, the single announcement by the parents made it easier for them to pretend that the divorce would soon go away and to postpone their own response to the frightening changes in their lives” (Wallerstein 40-41). Children often try to stop the divorce of their parents, but there are many who seem to accept it at first. These who seem to accept it may even tell their parents that they are happy about the divorce. This is not necessarily the case, as one would see if he or she spoke with the child for a while. There are many things that divorce does to a family, and there are many things that is does to the child. These effects are rarely positive, or helpful depending upon the family’s prior situation. Divorce has many negative effects on the...
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...Divorce affects children of every ethnic background, religion, and socioeconomic status. Approximately 50% of all first marriages will end in divorce, with over 1 million children being affected per year (Ahrons, 2007). Chaos and stress, probably feelings that have been prevalent for some time prior to divorce, result 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. Not only is there an emotional impact on these children’s lives but there is also a psychological impact with these children dealing with the effects of relocation. Children are forced to become independent and moral thinkers at such a young age which they might not be mentally prepared for which can result in future consequences. A major contributor to the well being of children after a divorce are the parents who need to remain attentive to their children’s needs and stay active participants in their growing years. This outlines the systems theory which describes how the family needs to work out strategies to deal with new challenges at each stage of life. In order for children to recover a stable perspective of the family after a divorce, the parents must take into consideration the emotional stability of their children, the effects of relocation and possible child coping strategies to help this difficult process...
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...The Impact of Divorce on Children under Eighteen Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx L33333333 Liberty University Abstract Today, practically everyone knows someone who has been divorced. It is sad, but true. Nearly half of all marriages in the United States today end in divorce. As recently as the 1990’s, nearly fifteen million children faced the life-changing crisis of a divorce. Most of these children were under eight years of age. Approximately one million new children each year go through divorce. According to the 2010 US Bureau of the Census data collection, more than half of school-age children will have spent substantial time living with a single parent or in a stepfamily. Children of divorced families may suffer life-long mental issues resulting from childhood experiences. This research paper will focus on the biosocial, cognitive, psychosocial, and spiritual impacts of divorce that can be placed upon children under the age of eighteen. The results of this study are to help counselors to assist children in their time of need. Keywords: children, divorce, families The Impact of Divorce on Children under Eighteen It may be help for us to understand something about divorce and the typical effects it has on families. The divorce rate of first marriages in the United States is at fifty percent. That is the highest in the world. Second marriages has a rate even higher, it is sixty-seven...
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...The Psychological and Emotional Effects of Divorce in Adolescents Danielle Nicole Mickens Holmes Community College Abstract Lately there has been an increase in the divorce rates in the United States. While there may be ways to prevent it, it affects the lifestyles of adolescents’ and other people around them. Usually children and adolescents take divorce harder than the adults involved. This review shows how adolescents can be psychologically and emotionally affected by divorce. It also reviews how they may be able to cope during the process of divorce. The Psychological and Emotional Affects of Divorce in Adolescents “Till death do us part” are the vows people normally say when they get married. People often dream of a fairy tale wedding and they also believe that they have found what they may call their soul mates. Apparently as years go by, those vows and beliefs seems to decrease. Divorce is known as dissolving the legal union of marriage. And with that being said the divorce rate in the United States is the highest in the world. 50% of marriages end in divorce. However, children and adolescents that are involved in the divorce can be psychological and emotionally affected by it. Divorces can change a person’s lifestyle. (Wendel, 1997) One out of every two marriages that end in divorce includes children and adolescents. Research collected gives an understanding on how adolescents psychologically act, emotionally feel, and the resources they...
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...Running Head: Research Paper – Effect of Divorce on Parenting Derin Ireyomi 103091991 University of Windsor 02-48-305 Dr. Omorodion Abstract In the past two decades, the trend of divorce and shared custody has increased and affected the lives of almost 57% of couples and their children (Boyan, 2003). Divorces have been known to have a huge effect on parenting practices of both the mother and the father. For the complete and balanced development of children and adolescents, the involvement of both the father and the mother is extremely crucial. From playing and socializing during the primary years to negotiation, monitoring and supervision in early teens, both the mother and father play equal guiding roles in the development of children (Boyan, 2003). Introduction Children who have both parents feel successful, competent and happy, when both parents are involved in their lives (Markham et al, 2012). Conversely, children who live with a single parent are more likely to feel unhappy, depressed, and garner an awkward feeling (Schwartz, 2006). Additionally, couples involved in the divorce also experience a huge effect on their parenting practices and their daily lives as well (Sayer, 2006). This paper will investigate the negative effects divorce has on parenting practices and how it will affect the way the children are raised. Through this, I will analyze the evidence provided in the articles by Sayer (2006), Pruett (1998), Schwartz (2007), and other authors to determine...
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...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...
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...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...
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...Research Paper: The Impact of Divorce on Children Jimmy Trolinger Liberty University On-Line Author Note Jimmy Trolinger, Psychology Student at Liberty University Prepared for Professor Jennifer Kennedy Psychology 210 D-12 Liberty University Abstract Divorce causes many problems for children and has many implications. Psychological implications include mental health problems and behavioral problems. Social roles are turned inside out and upside down. Children are often pulled in many directions. In the United States divorce is very common and often leaves children confused and without options. Many turn toward violence, crime, drugs, and isolation. Studies show how adults can reduce the tension for these children. Other studies show how we can help guide them through religious implications as well as legal problems. Parents and caregivers need to be able to identify and know how to help children with their psychological, social, religious, and legal issues in this critical and chaotic period of the child’s life. How Divorce Affects Our Children Researchers have done many research projects and studies on how divorce can affect children. Many problems can develop in a child during and following a divorce as well as the period of pre-divorce. Some of the problems that a child can have before during and after a divorce are mental health, behavioral, social, and religious problems. Psychologists, councilors, teachers, and parents...
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...Abstract One of two marriages ends in divorce. This fact impacts the loves of many children because the effect of divorce is not limited to the adults. Divorce deeply effects everyone involved especially the children. Research provides evidence of the negative impact on children and how it effects the differently according to the age. It is important that the adults involved be aware of the consequences their divorce will have on the life of their children and take responsibility of setting guidelines for themselves to help their child through this difficult time. Based on careful studies, it is shown that children of divorced parents can function and love normal lives. With a good support system and parents who are willing to move past divorce, children can learn to cope with divorce and move on themselves. Introduction Being a parent can be a demanding job; especially if you are parenting more than one child. This demand grows as the child grows. Children are involved in different activities and also trying to keep up with friends and the technology of today’s world; parenting can be time consuming and expensive. Also, when parents set boundaries for their children, they must be consistent with them. These areas are demanding enough in a two parent home, and twice as hard for a single-parent. In theory, children’s overall well-being will improve if they are raised by married parents. The parents must be happily married for this statement...
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...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...
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...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...
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...The Effects of Divorce on Children The statistics for divorce in the 1990's suggest that nearly sixty percent of marriages end in divorce. Given this startling figure, the presumption can be made that many children will experience some effects caused by the life-changing event called divorce. What is it exactly about divorce that causes negative consequences for these children? In what ways will these children be affected? Will these effects show outwardly? The unsettling fact is: young children of divorced parents face great psychological challenges due to the environmental conditions and changes associated with divorce (Wolchik and Karoly). When we pass the year 2012, we will see two groups of working age adults emerging. One group will have received psychological, social, economic, educational and moral benefits and the other group will have been denied them all. The first group will have grown up with both parents present in the house and the second group will have not had both parents present. Parental conflict appears to have a pronounced effect on the coping efforts of children. The intense anxiety and anger between some parents in the early stages of divorce is real. Often time’s parents allow their children to get in the middle of fierce verbal fighting between them. Berating the other parent in front of the child is another way of placing the child in an unfair position, which in essence is expecting the child to choose between the parents. Any form of parental conflict...
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...The Effects Of Divorce On Children Mohamet Thiam Western Governors University WGU Student ID# 000204437 The Effects Of divorce On Children The society in general has a better view of divorce now days. According to Jolivet in one of her recent articles in 2011, if you compare the view of society about divorce in the 1950s when women who divorced were stigmatized and today when half of the marriage end in divorce, the view of society about divorce has truly evolved. The rapid societal changes and economic development have contributed to the rise of women at almost the same level as men for professional occupations and to a higher social status with growing women’s rights. The National Center for Health Statistics has estimated in 2011 that between 850,000 and 950,000 couples divorces every year and more than half of divorcing couples have at least one children. In light of the alarming number of children involved in divorce, many studies have been conducted to shed some light on the possible effects on children. In the United States in particular, there are thousands of studies related to the many impacts of divorce on children well being. Research has shown that divorce can have a tremendous impact on children because it can be source of emotional distress especially in the early years, psychological problems, and socialization difficulties. The purpose of the research paper is to synthesize and analyze the well-supported studies conducted by knowledgeable authors...
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...society of the significant challenges single mom face. Raising children in this era is a very difficult task for couples and it brings greater challenges when is done by a single parent. This paper explores the emotional, psychological and financial aspect of raising children as a single mom as well as the main reasons why. It will review the causes and consequences in which it affects children, parents and entire families. There is data that has been collected where it indicates the reasons why there has been an increase and the impact that it has on children and adolescents. There are ways single moms overcome challenges. II. Introduction to Challenges Single Mom Face According to DeBell( 2008), about half of American children will spend part of their childhood in a single- parent family. DeBell stated that the absence of a father in a child’s home, the most consequential trend of our time, leads to social disaster(Pg. 427). Goldenberg (2008), states that a dysfunctional family, by definition, has failed to fulfill its purpose of nurturing the growth of its members. Single-parent families are more common in today’s society and are usually referred to as a broken home or dysfunctional families. Single-parent families have doubled since 1970 and are rapidly increasing. According the U.S. Census Bureau, around 30% of American families are headed by only one parent. There are 22 million children that live with a single parent—83% of those parents are moms...
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