Sociological Effects of Divorce

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Introduction Academic research has shown that 41% of all marriages end before their 30th year of marriage (Battams, 2013). Many studies dispute the fact that divorces only effects children psychologically, but this paper will focus on other important factors including emotional and behavioural effects along with short and long term effects a parental divorce will have on children. The purpose of this paper is to present the various types of ways that children cope with the stress and depression of a divorce. Of these various ways in which children cope with the stress of divorce, their are coping strategies that are proven to treat children effected by a divorce. Girgis, George, & Anderson (2011) define marriage as the union of a man and a woman who make a permanent and exclusive commitment to each other of the type that is naturally (inherently) fulfilled by bearing and rearing children together. These marriages are intended to last eternity and are partially accomplished by raising children together, yet four of every ten marriages lead to divorce and of these divorces, 35% involve children (Ambert, 2009). Children tend to blame themselves for the divorce and are usually caught in the crossfire. These divorces lead to both stress and depression for children and without a strong sense of family, children will have a huge disadvantage over children with a stable healthy family (Arreola, Hartounian, Kurges, Maultasch, & Retana, 2013). Without the ability to cope with the stress of a divorce, children can be effected in multiple ways including a change in mentality, unacceptable behavioural traits and both short and long term emotional factors that will ultimately lead to a critical issue in child development. Mental Developmen... ... middle of paper ... ...For Better or for Worse: Divorce Reconsidered. New York. Lorenz, F., Wickrama, K., Conger, R., Elder, G., (2007). The Short-Term and Decade-Long Effects of Divorce on Women. Joural of Health and Social Behaviour. American Sociological Association Pagani, L., Boulerice, B., Tremblay, R., Vitaro, F., (2007). Development in Children of Divorce and Remarriage. J. Child Psychol. Psychiat. Vol. 38, No. 7, 769-781 Pehrsson, D. E., Allen, V. B., Folger, W. A., McMillen, P. S., & Lowe, I. (2007). Bibliotherapy with Preadolescents Experiencing Divorce. The Family Journal: 45 Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 15(4), 409-414. Wolfinger, N., (2005). Children of Divorced Parents Are More Likely To End Their Own Marriages. University of Utah Department of Family and Consumer Studies. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/26714.php

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