Factors related to divorce, consequences of divorce and remarriage

Divorce stats

45% of US marriages dissolve. Most dissolve within 7 years. Many young children are involved. Common during transition to midlife when people have adolescent children. This is a period of reduced marital satisfaction.

Factors related to divorce

Disrupted husband-wife relationship. Problem solving styles are ineffective - this weakened their attachment to each other. Women are most likely to insist on change, men more likely to retreat.

Children of divorced parents

For 2 generations they are more likely to divorce. More likely to engage in inconsiderate behaviour and conflict ridden relationships. Less likely to try to work through difficulties. Marriage to a caring spouse from a positive and stable background reduce negative outcomes.

Factors relating to divorce - Strongest predictors of divorce

Infidelity, spending money foolishly, alcohol or drugs, expressing jealousy, irritating habits and moodiness.

Factors relating to divorce

Leading separate lives because of differences in expectations of family life. Share few interests, friends and activities.

Divorce stats

Nearly 2/3 divorced adults remarry. Marital failure is 10% higher than first marriage in the first few years. After that divorce rates are similar for both.

Factors relating to divorce - social reasons

Poorly educated, economically disadvantaged, those who have suffered multiple life stresses are more likely to split. Women earns more or the husband is not supportive of career. Differing gender role beliefs between spouses. Women are twice as likely to initiate divorce.

Divorce statistics

Stabilized since mid 80s due to later marriage age. Linked with marital satisfaction and financial stability.

Factors relating to divorce - Problems underlying

Women feel less understood regarding hurt and angry feelings. Husbands have difficulty sensing their wives distress.

Factors relating to divorce - Background factors

Young age at marriage, not attending religious services, previously divorced, having divorced parents. All linked to marital difficulties.

Factors relating to divorce -Individualism

the belief that each person has the right to self expression and the pursuit of personal happiness contributes to a higher divorce rate. When people are dissatisfied or unhappy in a relationship, individualism encourages them to move on.