Exploring the Role of Divorce !!!

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Southwest Tennessee Community College *

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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1 Exploring the Role of Divorce in Childhood Development Zayde Shalaby Department of Psychology, Southwest Tennessee Community College PSYC-3130-L03: Lifespan Development Psychology Prf. Darcy Sims November 5, 2023

2 Abstract This study explores factors of divorce in childhood development, from the child's age, the nature of the divorce, to the level of parental conflict. A significant finding of this research is that the impact of divorce on children can vary significantly depending on multiple factors. For instance, younger children may be more susceptible to the negative consequences of divorce, while older children may possess greater resilience in dealing with the changes that accompany divorce. Alternatively, the effects of parental separation could manifest physically from overeating to nail biting. Furthermore, the circumstances of divorce, ranging from high-conflict to low-conflict, can influence the outcomes experienced by children, even manifesting later in life. Additional aspects, including religion, culture, socioeconomic status, historical context, and the child's understanding and resilience to foreign circumstances, will also contribute to their development as they transition into adulthood.

3 Exploring the Role of Divorce in Childhood Development Many marriages in the post-1960s era have culminated in divorce. While divorce has existed since the beginning of the 19th century, it was generally stigmatized and deemed acceptable only in exceptional or abusive circumstances. Consequently, most research during that period focused on marriage and the notion of divorce being socially unacceptable. As rising divorce rates have become increasingly prevalent as society has progressed and modernized. Therefore, it is gaining significant traction from researchers, educators, and mental health professionals dedicated to understanding the various approaches to mitigating the adverse effects of divorce on childhood development. Arguably, since divorce is an inevitable part of some relationships, there are potential strategies for minimizing its negative consequences on the impact of a child's development mitigated through careful planning and support from both parents by evaluating the child's needs and examining the various research studies that delve into the effects of divorce on childhood development and exploring studies in effective interventions that can foster resiliency and adapting healthy coping mechanisms among affected children. According to the cited research, parental divorce can have a significant impact on children's well-being, particularly in terms of behavioral issues. Children of divorced homes frequently confront unique problems and experiences that can impact their emotional well-being, academic achievement, social interactions, and general health (Kleinsorge & Covitz, 2012, p.151). By understanding these effects, appropriate interventions and support systems can be developed to mitigate the adverse outcomes and promote healthy development among children of divorced parents. Even the period before the actual separation should be regarded as an integral part of the overall impact on the child’s development, as it uncovers the adverse effects of parental alienation through the lenses of family instability and stress theories. The unhealthy

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4 effects of divorce are evident more for children from high-quality parental relationships. However, the dissolution of low-distress parental relationships can also harm children's development. As displayed in the graph above by Garriga & Pennoni (2020), "Children experiencing parental temporary separation or parental divorce show slightly more psychological problems and lower scores for cognitive development concerning children with stable family" (p.970). Therefore, even children from relatively peaceful households may not benefit from divorce, as it can lead to stressful situations where children may encounter challenging circumstances such as a decrease in their quality of life, relocating to a financially disadvantaged neighborhood, adjusting to a new school, and losing connection with non-custodial parents and acquaintances. Additionally, children's understanding and perceptions of divorce depend on the level of their parents' pre-divorce relationship problems (Garriga & Pennoni, 2020). Children who have observed disagreements between their parents may foresee the eventual divorce and associate it

5 with external factors, such as the conflicts between their parents. However, for children from low-distress families, divorce may come as more of a surprise, and they might see it as a threat to their happiness (Garriga & Pennoni, 2020). Similarly, the effects of parental divorce on children's well-being vary depending on the quality of the parental relationship before the divorce. The connection between the quality of initial attachment, feelings of security, and subsequent adjustment to divorce is evident in a child's self-schema, “the child's confidence, sense of security and stability, empathy, trust, loyalty, and honesty” (Thiessen, 1993, p.25). Divorce can become an identity crisis for the child, impacting their response and adjustment. A secure attachment to a parent, a good self-schema, and creative/intelligent reasoning can help children cope with the stress of divorce and bounce back to normal functioning. Realistically, conflicts between parents and irregular access arrangements can undermine a child's resilience (Thiessen, 1993). Caregivers, teachers, therapists, and court personnel must support children's adjustment and well-being during and after divorce. Especially regarding infants, as they may exhibit signs of distress, such as increased irritability and separation anxiety. Toddlers may also develop separation anxiety, show increased irritability, and regress in skills they have previously mastered. Preschoolers may struggle to understand the permanency of divorce and may repeatedly ask questions about it. They may also display demanding behavior and attempt to control their surroundings. School-age children may blame themselves for the collapse of the current family dynamic, experience mood changes, and struggle with academic performance. Adolescents may have difficulty accepting divorce, blame themselves, and may display "acting-out" behavior or excessive responsibility-taking. Understanding the effects of separation on a child's well-being requires careful consideration of the child's developmental stage. The study conducted by A. Goisis et al. presents

6 valuable insights into how parental separation affects children's body mass index (BMI) and overall health. The research reveals that the impact of parental separation on a child's BMI intensifies over time after the separation. However, there was no compelling evidence to suggest that there are statistically significant anticipatory effects leading up to parental separation, nor are there immediate changes in children's physical health following separation. The study examined various potential pathways, including economic resources, health behaviors, and parental well-being. However, these factors did not completely account for the connection between parental separation and children's physical health. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the A. Goisis et al. study's limitations include the relatively basic measurement of specific variables and the necessity for more comprehensive and frequent data on children's diets and activities. To effectively address concerns related to children gaining weight after parental separation, the “Key strength of our analysis is that the results were consistent when we use age- and gender-adjusted BMI measures, which effectively remove biological changes in BMI as children grow older. —the process that leads some children to develop unhealthy adiposity trajectories. (Goisis et al. p.808).” The available evidence suggests that parental separation may negatively affect children's physical health by changing the quality and quantity of resources available in the family or by imposing stress and altering children's environment. This can lead to changes in eating habits, sleep routines, physical activity levels, and parenting practices, which may result in weight gain or loss, creating stress on the whole family. The effects on children's well-being depend on various factors, including the child's age at the time of divorce, the length of exposure to the post-separation period, and subsequent family transitions.

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7 Divorce’s long-term implications on childhood development are significant, particularly regarding social relationships and interpersonal skills. Children of divorced parents often experience difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. They may struggle with trust, communication, and emotional intimacy, which can hinder their ability to establish healthy connections with peers and authority figures. Additionally, the impact of divorce on parent-child relationships can be profound, with children experiencing feelings of loyalty conflicts and decreased closeness with their parents. These challenges in forming and maintaining relationships during childhood can have long-term effects on romantic relationships in adulthood. Research suggests that children of divorced parents are more likely to experience difficulties in their relationships, exhibiting lower levels of relationship satisfaction and higher rates of divorce. In conclusion, despite the detrimental consequences of divorce on children, several interventions and support systems have been proven crucial to mitigate its effects. Both family and educational support play an essential role in this context. Counseling and therapeutic interventions have proven efficient in assisting children in overcoming hurdles associated with divorce. Such comprehension is vital for therapists, educators, and parents in addressing potential adverse outcomes and fostering healthy development in children impacted by divorce. Prioritizing support for children with divorced parents through policy initiatives is of utmost importance, given the emotional and psychological ramifications they may encounter. Emphasizing schools and academic institutions as indispensable pillars by incorporating tailored interventions and support systems to cater to these children's unique needs. Ensuring the accessibility of counseling and therapy enables children to deal with divorce-related challenges

8 more effectively. By addressing these implications, policymakers and practitioners can enhance the overall well-being and life satisfaction of children affected by divorce.

9 References Garriga, A., & Pennoni, F. (2020). The Causal Effects of Parental Divorce and Parental Temporary Separation on Children’s Cognitive Abilities and Psychological Well-being According to Parental Relationship Quality. Social Indicators Research , 161 (963–987 (2022)). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02428-2 Goisis, A., Özcan, B., & Van Kerm, P. (2019). Do Children Carry the Weight of Divorce? Demography , 56 (3), 785–811. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13524-019-00784-4 Kleinsorge, C., & Covitz, L. M. (2012). Impact of Divorce on Children: Developmental Considerations. Pediatrics in Review , 33 (4), 147–155. https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.33-4- 147 Thiessen, I. (1993). The impact of divorce on children. Early Child Development and Care , 96 (1), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1080/0300443930960103 WALLERSTEIN, J. S. (1991). The Long-Term Effects of Divorce on Children: A Review. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 30 (3), 349–360. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199105000-00001

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