The Effects of Divorce on Children
The Effects of Divorce on Children
Divorce has many effects on many different people. It is a common misconception that divorce is for the “good” of the children . When in fact divorce takes quite a toll on children of all ages, races, and sex. An average of approximately 36,252 children in Canada are involved in divorces , which is not a very low statistic. As well single – parent families account for 46% of children living n poverty . Divorce affects children educationally psychologically and emotionally. Although divorce can make for a calmer environment in the long run, it can also cause a lot of stress on the adult and child in the beginning . Children have a tendency to blame themselves for the divorce and those who don’t blame either the mother or father for causing their devastation.
Males and females have different emotional side effects and it is very hard to determine what type of effects divorce has on them because many studies have conflicting information, some say mates become more aggressive , but others show mates are not affected at all. Studies on females show they become depressed, and distracted . “Problems seen in children of divorce are due to the parents psychological problems” . Out of 60 divorced couples in counseling, one third had adequate mental health, ½ of men and almost ½ of females are moderately disturbed or are incapacitated by a disabling neurosis or addiction i.e.; chronic depression, suicidal tendencies and difficulty controlling rage. 15% of men and 20% of females have severe mental illnesses. Researches have shown that many children from these families have trouble in school and struggle with anger and sorrow .
Although some studies show that divorce ahs no effect on children, it will inevitably have some sore of effect, it may not be long term, but it will leave some sort of effect which could be very devastating . Divorce has different effects on children of different ages e.g.:
Preschoolers may:
>Become clingy
>Have an increase in tantrums
>Cry more easily
>Have regressive behavior.. Thumb sucking, baby talk
>Wet the bed more often.. This shows distress, anxiety or anger.
>”somatize” or develop a physical complaints about headaches or nausea.
School-age Children may:
>Have similar signs as preschoolers.
>Show anger, worry or sadness.
>Act as though...