Are Children of Divorced Parents More Likely to Suffer Negative Effects?


Are children of divorced parents more likely to suffer negative short or long-term effects? This is a question many parents agonize over before, during and after the dissolution of their marriage.


The reality is divorce is a huge adjustment for everyone concerned, and you should expect your children to adjust to the changes in different ways.

Negative effects of children from divorced homes may include:

  • Increased Anger
  • Depression
  • Anxiety(or separation anxiety)
  • Diobediance Toward Parents or Authority Figures
  • Decreased Academic performance


It is also true that some children of divorced parents are more likely to have positive effects following the separation of their parents. The children who actually improve are those that have come from a highly conflictual home and moved to a more peaceful environment. These children feel calmer when they no longer have to contend with their parents verbal assaults on each other, and/or physical and emotional abuse.

Some research has been done to establish if children of divorced parents are more likely to suffer negative short or long-term emotional effects following their parents separation.

children of divorce more likely

While the studies did show whether in the short-term or long run, children of divorced parents are more likely to suffer some negative effects during their parents divorce, the percentage rates were small and varied.



The most interesting thing about the studies done was that

it is how parents divorce that makes the difference



The studies show the most well-adjusted kids from divorce are those whose parents had the most peaceful divorce. It doesn't matter if you have infants, young children, or teenagers. Take the time to look at how you are dealing with your spouse, resolve to make it more peaceful and allow your children to communicate openly with you about your feelings.

Learn discipline techniques that are positive and logical. Your children can not only survive but thrive after a divorce if you take the right steps.

All of these things may limit the negative effects your child suffers as a result of your divorce.

**This article was written by Melanie Cohn, a psychotherapist who specializes in divorce issues with children and adults. If you are looking for a counselor in the metro Detroit area and would like more information about Melanie Cohn click here.

And for those of you who live out of state, I now offer online help services for those of you who need some specific advice on how to deal the issues that arise with your children during your divorce.

footer for children of divorced parents more likely page