...The Impact of Divorce on Children PSYC 210-D06 Abstract Divorce has become a new common way of life in our current society that we find ourselves in. We must understand the impact that divorce has on children as it plays a major role on a family physically and emotionally. In this research you will see how divorce impacts children under the age of 18, that divorce has an impact on children. This paper will also provide solutions to assist the children on how to manage. Most often when children experience a feeling of not needing to move forward due to such a drastic change like divorce. Finally, in this research paper, you will see ways to help a child adjust after divorce. Divorce has a strong impact on children based inversely on their ages. Sociologist and psychologist have considered that a child under the age of 3 does not always hurt from their parents divorced. They have agreed that problems in temperament can developed if the child had a strong bond between the parents and those connections are broken due to the divorce. According to “Paternal Participation and Children’s Well-Being After Marital Dissolution” we can see the effect in the different stages of their lives: Children ages 3-5 frequently blame themselves for the divorce. The impact leads them to imagine that they are the source of their parents divorcing. Elementary school children are cognitively established enough to understand that they are in pain because the divorce. Accordingly, they...
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...How Divorce Impacts Children Under the Age of 18 F. Jeanpierre Psychology Abstract In this research you will see how divorce impacts children under the age of 18. The effects are not universal. Divorce affects children differently based on their age, personality and sexuality. Divorce affects children both mentally and physically. In this research, you will see how divorce can impact children immediately as well as post divorce. I will start with infants, preschool age children, school-aged and then adolescents. Then you will see how divorce affects children spiritually. Furthermore, you will see how the affect of divorce varies based on the child's gender. Finally, in this research paper, you will see ways to help a child adjust after divorce. Infants The first age group is infants. Not too much is known on the affects of divorce for children under the age of 3. Some have speculated that children under the age of 3 does not always suffer from their parents divorced. Thus, sociologist and psychologist agreed that problems in personality can developed if the child had a strong bond between the parents and those bonds are broken due to the divorce. Professionals highly encourage parents to make arrangements so the potential, full affect of the divorce won’t impact the child as much. The conflict of divorce may not be understood by infants, but they can react to changes in the parent’s level of energy and involvement. Infants can lose their appetite, have an upset...
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... 1 The Devastating Results of Divorce on Children The Devastating Results 2 Abstract The sanctity of marriage, created by God, was intended for one man and one woman for life. At the Fall of man sin entered the world, and our fleshly desires began governing our actions and decisions. This is evident as we have seen our divorce rates reach nearly 50 percent. The no fault divorce has enabled us to make divorce such an easy “decision of convenience” for struggling marriages, and as a result we have become desensitized to its devastating ramifications. Though it is the adults who determine to dissolve the commitment, it is the children who suffer the greatest consequences. Divorce sets in motion a series of negative events and transitions that are related to the child’s psychological distress which is possibly more potent than the physical separation of parents. This will essentially affect the child in every aspect of his/her life - emotional, behavioral, educational, economical, and relational. Such ramifications are immediate as well as long term. To hinder the all too familiar “decisions of convenience” I emphatically believe the courts should return to its more restrictive divorce guidelines; and our nation needs to return to “One Nation Under God”. The Devastating Results 3 Researching articles, journals, and other sources for my paper “The Devastating Results of Divorce on Children” has been an eye-opening experience...
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...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...
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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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...Department of Justice Ministère de la Justice Canada Canada WORKING DOCUMENT THE EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN A Selected Literature Review Research and Statistics Division October 1997 WD1998-2e UNEDITED Research and Statistics Division/ Division de la recherche et de la statistique Policy Sector/ Secteur des politiques WORKING DOCUMENT THE EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN A Selected Literature Review Research and Statistics Division October 1997 WD1998-2e UNEDITED The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice Canada. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1 2.0 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH .............................................................. 3 3.0 FACTORS AFFECTING CHILDREN’S POSTDIVORCE ADJUSTMENT ................. 6 3.1 Child Characteristics............................................................................ 6 3.1.1 Gender ................................................................................. 6 3.1.2 Age at Divorce ....................................................................... 8 3.2 Family Characteristics.......................................................................... 9 3.2.1 Socio-economic Status .............................................................. 9 3.2.2 Ethno-cultural Background...................................................
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...Abstract This paper explores the impact of divorce on children under the age of eighteen with research studies reported by internet and non internet resources such as, Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, American Journal of Family Law and also author written research by Elisabeth Joy Lamotte and Kathleen Stassen Berger. Since 1973 at least one million children have been affected by divorce and typically one out of two marriages ends in divorce. The truth remains that marriage does offer greater benefits to children rather than divorce such as a higher standard of living, exposure to effective and cooperative parenting, greater parent-child bonding, and less stress overall. This paper will cover the psychological impact of divorce on children under the age of eighteen from infancy to toddlers all the way through adolescence and on to adulthood. References Berger, Stassen Kathleen (2010). The Developing Person Through the Lifespan Eighth Edition. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Lamotte, Joy Elisabeth (2008). Overcoming Your Parents Divorce. Far Hills, NJ: New Horizon Press. McGuinness, Teena M, PhD (2006). Marriage, Divorce, and Children. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services. Portnoy, Sandford M, PhD (2008). The Psychology of Divorce: A Lawyer's Primer, Part 2: The Effects of Divorce on Children. American Journal of Family Law. Child Study Center (2001). Divorce and Children. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/files/articles/sep_oct_1...
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...Palak Patel Mrs. Roman Eng102 Date: 03/16/2012 Divorce in America In the 21st century, so many Americans are struggling with divorce. Studies show that approximately sixty percent of marriage in America ends in divorce, and this does not seem to be slow down (“Divorce”). Nowadays, divorce is more common as compared to the past. Furthermore, so many issues are related to divorce: couples do not want to compromise about their relationship, women are becoming more independent, and couples are getting married too young. According to Wilson, “couples who live together before marriage have higher divorce rates than those who do not, and less educated couples tend to divorce at higher rates than those with more education” (“Introduction to Divorce”). It is also possible that couples are getting married for the wrong reasons, and they are not putting enough effort into their relationship, and their marriages end in divorce. Children are struggling as well as their parents because when parents become divorced the children become divorced too. After parents get divorced, children face a lot of stress during their lives. In the 21st century, the divorce rate in the American family is increasing because married couples are refusing to compromise about their relationship which is posing a potential danger to children. The divorce rate continues to increase in America over last twenty five years. As a matter of facts, the divorce rate is higher in today’s society compared to the past...
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...Does the Divorce of Parents Harm Their Children? Each year the American society deals with divorce. Divorce introduces a massive change into children and adults life no matter what the age is. Divorce can be harmful to children if the parents continue to fight and argue and can never get along. Children can be made out to believe that the divorce between their parents was their fault or that they aren’t loved anymore. However, children can come out strong in divorce as long as their parents can be co-parents without conflict. Divorce in America now is more common than it was back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Many couples got divorced due to infidelity and abuse. Now, in this day and age, men and women get divorced due to their own personal happiness. Professor Tamara D. Afifi spoke on a TEDxTalk in 2012 and said that many children from families who divorced and fight have more trust issues and hurt more on the inside than from children whose parents get along and co-parent without conflict. (Afifi, 2012) Each year, over 1 million American children suffer the divorce of their parents; Half of American children born this year will witness divorce with their parents. Of that 50% another 50% will experience a second divorce. (Rector & Fagan, 2000) Many believe that divorce has a negative effect on children. Not only does it cause them to have trust issues and often have relationship difficulties later in life, but they tend to dwell on the divorce as their fault. Children of divorced...
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...LESSEN THE IMPACT OF DIVORCE Michael Jennings DeVry University Lessen the Impact of Divorce Charlie is 9 years old and lives in a single parent home where the parent works to support the family, where not much time is spent with Charlie, who must figure certain things out on his own. Where does Charlie go after school? If no one is home having Charlie home alone is not a very good option. If siblings or friends are there but, no adult is present during the after school hours, home is still not a very good option. The term “latch-key” kid is one who has their own key to their home and is expected to be home with minimal supervision. Once a child reaches a certain responsible age, being a latch-key kid often makes sense. Charlie must get home safe from school, stay out of trouble, and complete his homework, with little to no adult supervision. After-school activities should be available to Charlie because he may not be responsible enough or his parents may not trust him to be home alone yet. Everyone is affected by the consequences of parental divorce, especially the children involved. In any society, the children are the future. In the United States alone, 40 to 50% of first marriages end in divorce, according to the American Psychological Association. As citizens of the United States, we are all stakeholders of our future and should care about the well-being of all our children, especially those of disadvantaged environments such as parental divorce. Additional resources...
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...Professor Fonts ENC 1102-2 4 December 2013 Until Divorce Do Us Part Divorce is defined as the legal termination of a marriage, but in its real sense there is a lot more to it than just the end of a relationship. Nowadays many marriages end in divorce, and surprisingly most of them end in their early stages. If divorce rates goes up, people’s level of tension and hesitation about marriage is also increasing. The society accepts divorce very easily and even suggests it as a solution to the trivial problems faced in a husband-wife relationship. Therefore marriages and family life are at risk. If divorce continues to rise in even roughly the same pattern, the traditional sense of marriage might as well become extinct. To add to the existing problem, various law firms and websites provoke divorce through various methods such as advertising the benefits of divorce or by offering customized divorce forms online. The soaring divorces are not just questioning the importance of relationships and ties but they are also creating severe after effects in the life and family of the divorcees. Laws should be reformed to make it harder to obtain a divorce because it would help prevent any emotional, financial, and psychological repercussions. Though divorce at an individual level is a liberating factor for estranged couples, the problem arises when the divorce affects the kids. The author states: “Numerous studies indicate that children of divorced families face increased risk of substance...
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...The Impact of Divorce on Children Sociology 210 Amy Totten Abstract How do children react to divorce? In most recent times, the impact of divorce on children has emerged as a problem of concern. Divorce may be the most devastating situation that can happen to children. Alarmingly, studies have revealed that 50 percent of children under the age of 18 will experience the dissolution of their parents’ marriage. When a divorce occurs, parents tend to forget about the child and do not realize how much of a negative impact that it has on the child. Children already go through enough stress of just everyday situations and to add to it only make things worse. The impact of divorce will affect each child differently, but all will experience some type of emotional distress. This paper will provide a detailed description of the emotional and psychological effects of divorce on infants; school aged children and adolescents, behavioral development in children of divorce, and strategies to help children cope with divorce. The Impact of Divorce on Children The traditional lifestyle of living with both parents is almost rare in today’s society. Divorce is a very tragic situation especially when it involves children. As the world turns, the divorce rates continue to rise. Studies have revealed that 50 percent of children under the age of 18 will experience divorce. In the process of the divorce parents really don’t understand that through divorce it affects them but it...
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...Divorce Conflict Hurts Children Christina Henderson DeVry University Divorce Conflict Hurts Children Six year old Olivia stands alone in front of her bedroom window, silent tears streaming down her tiny face. She watches her father put his suitcase in his car and drive away. She does not know what divorce is, but she does know on some internal level, that her life will never be the same. Olivia is right; divorce is a watershed event in the life of a child. Life following a divorce is dramatically changed from how life was before. The purpose of this proposal is to convince divorced parents to stop engaging in hostility and conflict with their ex-wives and ex-husbands so the children do not continue to suffer more. Divorce is commonplace in today’s world; 40 to 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, annulment, or separation (Issitt, 2014, para. 8). Children of divorced parents are at a disadvantage socially, emotionally, and financially, and the effects of divorce on children are amplified by conflict between the parents. As a child of a messy divorce, I know firsthand how harmful parental conflict can be to a child; I still deal with it today, 30 years after my parents’ divorce. I will further establish credibility by including information from Pickhardt (2011), Sedacca (2014), and Whitehead (2013), who are experts on child psychology and divorce. Approximately half of all marriages in the United States now end in divorce, this issue affects millions of people in our country...
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...society, divorce is on the rise. Children of divorced parents experience many issues. The impact affects all developmental stages of children. Emotional and behavioral problems can begin in the preschool stage of development. In the early latency stage, children tend to have fear and fantasize that their parents will get back together. In the late latency stage, children will label one parent good and one parent bad based on their own needs. In Adolescence, children become depressed and suicidal. Some will even question their future martial relationships. Overall divorce can affect a child’s life whether it is their academics, behaviors, sexuality, parent child relationships, economic status or psychological development. This paper will discuss how divorce can have life altering effects on a child. According to Peck and Manocherian (1988), divorce has become an endemic to the American society. Almost 50 percent of couples choose divorce. Berger (2008) states one out of every two marriages ends in divorce. Divorce is also more likely to occur within the first five years after marriage (Berger, 2008). By this time most couples have had children. Therefore the impact divorce has on children can affect many aspects of their life. When the initial impact of divorce takes place, the child sometimes feels like they are to blame (Fritz, 2002). Therefore the parents must reassure the children that is not the case. Children need a chance to understand and talk about the impact of divorce...
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...Considering all the repercussions involved in divorce, such as economic and emotional damage, is it better to stay in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children? Divorce creates a vicious family cycle that is most difficult to break once it has begun. Psychological, economic and emotional methods of thinking must be completely reconfigured in order to have a remote chance that the cycle in families will break. Divorce represents a catastrophic change in the marital cycle. Divorce may bring to light many areas of marital conflict that children could be previously unaware of (Hines, 1997). So much of a child’s happiness and fulfillment is dependent upon their parents. It may be difficult for children to avoid taking sides in parental disputes and conflicts that occur during or after the divorce or separation. How divorce affects the child and child-parent relationships, the legal implications of divorce on the couple, and the impact of divorce on the society at large will be examined. Much evidence from various sources concurs with the theory that children, who are directly exposed to divorce, suffer more than children from intact families in a variety of ways. They exhibit more conduct problems, more symptoms of psychological problems, lower academic achievement, more social difficulties and worse self-esteem (Amarto, 1997). Although various legal and therapeutic interventions are used to improve the well being of children of divorce, little research has been conducted to...
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