Recent research has shown that single mothers raise 21% of children in America, and such children are more likely to drop out of school (Lazic, 2021). Lazic (2021) further states that children are the most likely to experience behavioral issues, especially when parents divorce when the children are between 7-14 years. However, the effects of divorce are profound on all parties involved. Raising a child in a new family dynamic influences their psychological, physical, and intellectual well-being. This paper reviews literature that discusses why and how the effects of divorce affect children’s mental development.
The effects of divorce on children include mental instability
A large proportion of children across the world experience family instability due to divorce and separation (Zarrabi, 2021). Also, many children worldwide are affected mentally due to breaking up. Zarrabi (2021) researched why divorce affects children’s mental health. Research has shown a significant difference between children who grow up in a broken family and those from a united family. Research has shown that the consequences of low social support from parents influence a kid’s perception of the destruction that results from interparental conflicts (Zarrabi, 2021). Some of the destructive behaviors that are evident in parents who separate include physical aggression, hostility, and giving threats to children. Zarrabi (2021) asserts that children may blame themselves and develop low self-esteem, especially when they strive to cope with threats successfully. As marriage dissolves, some parents are reasonable, and they might make custody arrangements while they are still together to reduce the impact of their separation on their children (Zarrabi, 2021). parents never consider the well-being of their children, which results in the long-term impacts of divorce on such children. In most cases, children struggle during the first two years after the divorce, and after then, they get back to living everyday life. The impact is significant within two years as they show anger, disbelief, and distress. Research by Zarrabi (2021) states that a tiny percentage of children experience lifelong problems due to divorce. In conclusion, parents’ actions during separation are the main factors that result in a child’s negative psychological, emotional, and physical behavior.
The effects of divorce also include disruption of children’s focus
An up-to-date research has discussed the commonly seen effects of divorce on children. Morin (2021) states that divorce interrupts children’s focus and routine activities. This research has stated that children who see their parents’ divorce have more difficulty relating to others and tend to reduce their social circles. These children feel insecure, and they tend to question why their family is different from others. Also, it is difficult for every individual to adapt to change. The new family dynamic, the new family setup, and the new friends affect their sensitivity. According to Morin (2021), most children whose parents have divorced are likely to feel loss, anger, anxiety, and confusion due to transition. Individuals need an outlet for their emotions and someone ready to listen and understand them. A new style of life means one takes time to find someone they can confide to. Therefore, the children tend to process and solve problems independently. Morin (2021) further explains that such children might introduce themselves to destructive behaviors to solve problems. For instance, most people in prison are from broken families. They start abusing drugs and committing crimes—too much stress accompanied by anger and guilt, resulting in mental problems such as depression. Finally, Morin (2021) explains that 2 out of 3 children who have experienced divorce have lost faith in relationships and families. They despise building a relationship of their own when they grow up. In most cases, divorce negatively affects a child’s mental and social growth.
Data from Lazic (2021) have suggested that children of separated parents are more likely to experience psychological and physical effects. Children whose parents continue to argue eleven after the divorce tend to develop less affection and less attention to their surroundings. As stated by Morin 2021, these results in a build-up of emotional insecurity. Such parents tend to develop a more remarkable penchant for their children, resulting in a build-up of anger and guilt. Since such children come from a chaotic environment, they become chaotic by fighting their colleagues and stealing from them (Lazic, 2021).
Children of divorce reveal a 16% increase in behavioral and emotional problems at the age of 7-14 years (Lazic, 2021). These children might also have suicidal thoughts. Therefore, parents should note every change in their children’s behavior. Lazic (2021)does not mean parents should stay together even when the relationship is toxic, but they should consider what is best for their children. The research further proposes that children who have watched their parents break up should see a therapist who can help them in every step of change. Lazic (2021) asserts that children who have experienced the impacts of divorce may resent marriage and anything to do with it. The research has conclusively shown that kids from broken family experience insomnia, headaches, asthma, and other injuries. Divorce, therefore, influences the behavior of a child, and necessary intervention methods should be employed to solve the problem.
Separation and divorce of parents are legal concerns, and trained mediators intervene to ensure the stability of the children. Therefore, they decide on the best options for custody of the children. Therapists help such children in choosing what suits them most. Mediators are neutral parties that help parents resolve conflicts on themselves (D’Onofrio & Emery, 2019). They encourage parents to ensure that they remain active in their children’s growth and development process. Mediation and other legal intervention procedures may not affect parents’ decisions and may be a waste of resources.
Additionally, in the development of laws and policies regarding parenting and children custody, the United States has legally proposed that all parties should have an equal share of making important decisions concerning the children, which includes healthcare decisions (D’Onofrio & Emery, 2019). However, they presume that the law might benefit the wrong group of parents who are not concerned about the well-being of their children. The best intervention methods that include policy changes that consider the consequences of family instability should be developed.
This review has clearly shown that divorce affects not only parents but also children’s mental health greatly. The impact of divorce on children is frustrating and scary. From the reviews, it is right to state that young children mostly suffer the impact of divorce due to a change in the family dynamic. This is the main cause of fear and insecurity. They, therefore, develop anger and might harm themselves physically. A new family dynamic results in the disruption of a family relationship that the child has been used to. They strive to rebuild new relationships if unsuccessful, and they blame themselves and sometimes their parents. Additionally, divorce influences the psychological and physical growth of children. These changes are stressful to children, and in cases where parents argue, they develop low self-esteem. However, these impacts change from one child to another. Some children prefer divorce, especially when it leads to fewer arguments. Parents might fail to focus during a divorce, but research is never far from the truth. Parents should ensure that issues in their relationship should be done privately to avoid causing problems for their children. In conclusion, children’s mental well-being is important, and parents should try as much as possible not to influence their children’s growth negatively. Additionally, mental well-being goes a long way in enabling children to grow holistically into responsible, independent adults.
References
D’Onofrio, B., & Emery, R. (2019). Parental divorce or separation and children’s mental health. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 100–101. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20590
Lazic, M. (2021 January, 4). 13 devastating children of divorce statistics. Legal jobs.io.https://legaljobs.io/jobs/children-of-divorce-statistics/
Morin, A. (2021 February 21). The psychological effects of divorce on children. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily. com/psychological-effects-of-divorce-on-kids-4140170
Zarrabi, D.G. (202, October 29). Effects of divorce on children’s mental health | Harbor Mental Health Clinic. Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health. https://harbormentalhealth.com/2021/10/29/effects-of-divorce-on-childrens-mental-hea
