Chapter 9: The Impact Divorce on Children

Describe the cortisol experiment and its findings.

Children from divorced and non-divorced families were studied via their spit. Children whose parents are engaging are calm and less anxious, regardless of whether their parents are divorced or not. The children who have the most difficulties are the ones whose parents had ongoing conflict in the household and did not get a divorce.

What are the typical outcomes for children whose parents have a high rate of conflict and stay married?

Children have more problems and suffer more than children whose parent's get divorced. These children have higher anxiety levels and their body's take a longer time to calm down.

In Dr. Paul Amato's "meta-analysis" of studies of divorce, did he find divorce to have a stronger or weaker effect on children than in the past? Why does he think this might be? Why does Dr. Afifi's students think it is?

Divorce has a stronger effect on children now than in the past. He think's this might be because reasons of divorce have changed (parents are getting divorced for happiness, which children do not like). Dr. Afifi students' argue that it is because children are closer to their parents than they have ever been before.

Does divorce have negative effects for all children? In what circumstances would children have better responses towards divorce?

No, divorce does not always have negative effects for all children. In circumstances such as turbulent conditions in the household and conflicting environment.

What are some physiological stress responses that can occur from divorce?

Physiological stress responses that can occur from divorce are stomach aches, higher heart-rates, stress hormone release.

What are some short-term effects of divorce?

Some short-term effects of divorce include lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, less quality contact with parents, and standard of living decreases.

What is the best way for divorced parents to communicate?

The best way for divorced parents to communicate is directly to each other rather than through their child.

What is the main variable that determines how well children will function after divorce?

The main variable that determines how well children will function after divorce is the parent's conflict.