As divorce has become more common in the United States, the number of children who have been affected has also greatly increased. There has been much controversy over the years dealing with divorce. Should parents try to stay together for their children? Is living in an unhealthy relationship better than splitting up for children? How will the children be affected by the divorce with future relationships and their outlook on life? These are all questions researchers have examined about divorce and the side effects. Some studies believe children are harmed greatly after their parents split from a divorce; however, others say children can be well adaptive without serious consequences from divorce.
The first two writings I have read explain how children are harmfully affected by their parents’ divorce. The first entry, “Effects of Divorce on Children’s Health,” comes from Marripedia. Physical health, longevity, mental health, and intergenerational effects are the four topics discussed in the entry. This entry states numerous negative effects on children, allowing the audience to directly see the harsh consequences from divorce. Physical health problems include a higher risk of injuries, asthma, and cancer. Researchers and Swedish studies show how higher hospital and death rates increase with children who have had separation with parents. A study by Dr. Lewis Terman also explains how people with divorce in their lives can die earlier, about five years, compared to others. This work gives numerous mental health issues children can come across, including depression, low self-confidence, fear, and anxiety. Both genders are effected; however, different age groups can go through diverse stages. Older children going through divorce have to grow up faster as well. Even with this information, an opposing viewpoint is also placed in the entry, describing children improve after a divorce involving high conflict and arguments.
I believe this source is credible to use when seeing the negative effects of divorce on children. This source is very detailed with studies supporting the negative effects from divorce. Also, this writing has over forty references and citations from multiple journals and research cases. Looking at the source at first, I thought it is a credible account, but I want to make sure because it does not show an author. I search for more information, and find out this entry is part of a larger research study by Patrick F. Fagan and Aaron Churchill. As I have examined the whole article, I have come to the conclusion this is a credible source due to the research and data.
The second article also explains the harmful effects of divorce on children. “9 Negative Effects Divorce Reportedly has on Children,” is written by Lauren Hansen. Hansen describes how there is more divorce people in the world than married ones. She states nine negative effects of divorce on children including increased smoking habits, Ritalin consumption, sickness, school dropouts, aggression, strokes, divorce in their own relationships, lower math or social skills, and premature death. With each of the nine examples, she gives studies from different time periods and universities supporting each case. Within the cases, she describes how some of the negative effects depend on the divorce. The author includes from the studies both genders are effected with the smoking habits. Many of the studies show correlational data, including the one with the increased Ritalin consumption. Stress may have led for children of divorce to use this more dependently than children in stable environments. Lastly, Hansen gives direct links of each individual study for the audience to view.
This article is credible and reliable as well. This source does provide only information about the harmful effects divorce has on children from nine different case studies. Lauren Hansen leaves her opinion and bias out of the article, and provides only factual information. In each of the nine reasons Hansen describes, there is a relevant study. Each study is different, and Hansen creates a link for the audience to view each case in full detail. This provides reliable information for the public to view because the author’s reasoning is supported by data and research. Allowing the audience to look further into each study, gives clarity and reassurance for the information given.
Even though the above studies say divorce is harmful for children, there is other research contradicting these conclusions. The Scientific American has written an article, “Is Divorce Bad for Children,” explaining most children adjust well from divorce overall. Hal Arkowitz and Scott Lilienfeld, the two authors of the article, discuss recovery, adults’ concerns, and bouncing back from divorce. They showcase Hetherington’s study in 2002, where children are affected by divorce in short term with anger and anxiety. After the second year, many children are able to bounce back and do not suffer long term. Another study by a Penn State professor showcases children from divorce do not differ significantly from children with married parents in academics and emotional or physical behavior. Arkowitz and Lilienfeld explain there are multiple confounding variables, including different temperaments, involved with separation of parents. They include opposing studies; however they note there is no scientific research to back up the findings. Lastly, this article states children can recover quickly with support, less conflict, and role model examples from the parents.
I believe this source is credible for many reasons. This article has been posted to the Scientific American by Hal Arkowitz and Scott Lilienfeld. These two authors have background in psychology. Arkowitz is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, while Lilienfeld is the professor of psychology at Emory University. Also, this source is credible because the authors provide further readings and give multiple studies, supporting both advantages and disadvantages of divorce on kids. This shows they have viewed multiple research studies and have weighed the consequences. They are able to explain their conclusion, and explain divorce does not harm the children. They explain there are confounding variables, which means no direct cause and effect can occur. Lastly, the source only has a few ads, and the main goal is to show both sides of divorce and make a conclusion.
The last article I have viewed also suggested divorce does not directly harm the children. “How to Help Your Kids Survive Divorce: A Child Psychologist Explains” is an article by Matthew Rouse. As being a child psychologist and reviewing research about divorce, Rouse gives strategic ways to create a happy and healthy lifestyle for kids who have seen their parents separate. In the beginning, he notes divorce is never a positive stage in a child’s life; however, research has shown there are no major issues. He even states what other articles mention; divorce can be beneficial for some children when there is much conflict in the house. He states there are five ways to allow a child to get through divorce with no major problems. Self-care, conversing, allowing feelings, routines, and no harsh comments towards the other parent are ways in which the parents can influence their children after a divorce. Parents have to allow their children to take time and tell them it has not been their fault. This correlation between two variables will be positive overall. The important aspect for parents to control is their own negative opinions about the ex. Allowing for negative comments in a house can lead to worse outcomes for the children.
Lastly, this article is credible and dependable source to see the views of divorce on children. This article is written by Matthew Rouse, a member of the American Psychology Association, who works at the Child Mind Institute. He has a PhD and a MSW, and he is a clinical psychologist. Looking further into his background, I have found he is extremely knowledgeable about children, and he has completed research on parenting skills connecting to children’s behavior. With this article, Rouse captures the hardships divorce brings to families. He acknowledges these points; however, he proposes ways to avoid severe consequences. He includes in the article much research has been provided to support his perspective. He has no other goal except to inform the public divorce does not damage children. Lastly, Matthew Rouse captures the importance of positive parental influence on children during separation.
In my own opinion, I believe trying to work out a marriage is the best thing for a family; however, if the circumstances are necessary divorce is an option. After reading supporting articles of divorce and opponent ones, I believe divorce does not harm children or creates serious consequences. I come to this conclusion by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages from both viewpoints. I believe there are multiple confounding variables involved when two people separate from a marriage. The divorce itself does not harm the children. A child’s temperament, the family’s economic status, and morals are all aspects involved with the divorce. It is true children go through rough stages and patches during the first couple years after their parents split; however, they can overcome these challenges. Children may need to grow up faster and take on responsibilities, but they are going to be well prepared for the future. The correct comfort and support from split parents will allow the children to continue to feel the love. I believe from the articles and research provided, children can adapt and even create a better future if divorce happens to occur in the family.
Overall, some children may be affected negatively by divorce; however, this can be avoided by many means. This reasoning can be seen within my own family. I have seen divorce occur with many of my relatives. On my father’s side, my grandparents have been divorced since my father has been a teenager. My aunt and uncle both have been married multiple times, and many other close family friends have gone through the same process. With my father’s situation, there has not been harmful effects. His parents’ divorce has allowed him to see the importance of marriage and instill this meaning with his children. For instance, he has taught my sister and me to cherish marriage through our faith. Through the experience, he has also had to grow up fast to support himself and be there for his family. This is just an example how all divorces do not end with “damaged” children. In conclusion, I believe divorce should be avoided at all costs, so the children never have to be put in a situation that some researchers say will cause negative effects.
Links:
First: http://marripedia.org/effects_of_divorce_on_children_s_health (or the full research study http://marri.us/wp-content/uploads/The-Effects-of-Divorce-on-Children.pdf)
Second: http://theweek.com/articles/466107/9-negative-effects-divorce-reportedly-children
Third: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-divorce-bad-for-children/
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