To help individuals and society cope with [divorce], we need to move beyond sweeping generalizations about the "average" outcome of divorce and conduct more fine-tuned investigations into the full range of family processes and events that increase the risks of damage or augment the resilience of children and adults.
Conventional wisdom and research strongly suggest that when divorced parents can eventually co-parent, protect their children from their unresolved conflicts, incorporate authoritative parenting skills and maintain good mental health, their children have a good chance to fare well in the long term. These are ideal goals for any family, not just those of divorce. But, during the stressful period prior to the separation-and often for several years afterward-even the most dedicated parents are unsteady.
by Paul R. Amato, Ph.D., Arnold and Bette Hoffman Professor of Family Sociology and Demography, The Pennsylvania State University
Research has consistently demonstrated that children and adults who go through a divorce experience declines in subjective well-being and physical health, on average.
Family Focus on Divorce and Relationship Dissolution
It's a reality: approximately half of American marriages dissolve. About 40% of children will experience parental divorce, and about one-half of all children will spend some time in a single-parent family before adulthood. What does the research show regarding the consequences of divorce and relationship dissolution for families? What can practitioners do to help families through this process? In this issue of NCFR Report, NCFR experts report the research and offer help for the helpers.
