Effects Of Divorce On Children
...conducted comparing children of divorce with children from intact two-parent families. The great majority of studies find that children of divorce have more adjustment problems than other children (Amato & Keith, 1991). About two times as many children in divorced families show signs of behavior problems compared with children in nondivorced families (Hetherington, et al, 1998). These behavior problems include hyperactivity, aggression, delinquency, poor school performance, depression, low self esteem, and anxiety.
Bottom Line: Regarding this most basic question, do children of divorce have more adjustment problems, there is great consensus across past and present studies that they do.
Why Does Divorce Cause Problems for Kids?
If children of divorce are less well adjusted, what is responsible for their difficulties?
Several studies have found that poverty has a negative influence on kids living in single parent homes (Amato & Keith, 1991). Families are sometimes forced to move into more dangerous neighborhoods and can't provide as high a standard of living as before the divorce. The loss of income seems to account for some, but not all of the problems experienced by divorced families.
Some studies also indicate that greater contact with the non-custodial parent, or at least a warm, caring relationship with that parent, helps children of divorce remain emotionally adjusted (Clarke-Stewart & Hayward, 1996).
In the Psychology Department at UCLA, we are also investigating the causes of the adjustment problems experienced by children of divorce. We are studying a large group of upper middle-class 10-12 year olds, some from divorced families and some from two-parent families. Our results show that over the span of three years, children from the divorced families were consistently rated by their parents and teachers as having more problems with...
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