DIVORCE By Fabiana Andrade INTRODUCTION Divorce rates are

DIVORCE By: Fabiana Andrade

INTRODUCTION Divorce rates are going up more and more each year. It is estimated that today, half of all marriages will end in divorce. What are the consequences of a divorce for both adults and children involved? What are the options to prevent divorce?

REASONS FOR DIVORCE Infidelity Lack of communication Abandonment Abuse Financial problems Sexual incompatibility Differences in beliefs, religion, goals, etc.

STATISTICS 41% of all marriages in America end in divorce The highest number of divorces occur in marriages with at least one partner in the age group of 20 - 25 years 25% of all adults have been divorced at least once in their life. 66% of divorced couples are childless Between 1975 and 1998, 75% of divorce cases were filed by women with kids. 8 out of 10 couples who live together before marriage will break up either before marriage or by divorce.

HOW DOES DIVORCE AFFECT ADULTS? Financial problems Lack of focus at work causes your job to suffer Running your house is more difficult without help from your partner Depression, sadness, anger, and fatigue at loss of relationship.

EMOTIONS Crying, withdrawal, substance misuse, restlessness, guilt, anxiety, fear, mood swings Feelings of hopelessness, worrying, stress, negativity, worthlessness, unable to concentrate, feeling of falling apart, poor decision making.

HOW DOES DIVORCE AFFECT CHILDREN? Divorce deeply effects children. The fundamental perspective of a child’s life changes. The parent’s needs and wants move into the forefront and the children often become the backdrop. Young and adult children often describe feelings of sadness and loneliness, fear, confusion, rejection, divided loyalties and anger.

CONTINUED… Divorce usually results in the loss of contact with a parent. Increased stress often happens to children for reasons such as relocating homes or schools. Lack of parental competence which affects the development of the child. Exposure to conflict between parents which can cause substantial effects on the child’s well being.

EMOTIONS IN CHILDREN A divorce can cause a child to enter a depression in which they will develop low self-esteem, difficulty focusing, sadness, mood swings, secretiveness/isolation, self-blame, eating disorders, accident prone, stealing, skipping school, underachieving in school, and acting out sexually.

OPTIONS Marriage counseling Mediation Temporary separation

CONCLUSION When children are involved, it is sometimes worth trying to make it work for their benefit. Children are affected just as much as an adult going through the divorce. The only justifiable reason for divorce is when there is abuse involved. Divorce brings consequences that can last a lifetime.

RESOURCES Poweroftwomarriage. com Buzzle. com Jbdcounseling. com Ehow. com Statisticbrain. com