A large amount of research shows that divorce can have a negative impact on children and teenagers, according to a leading clinical psychologist.
Writing on the 25th anniversary of the introduction of divorce in Ireland, David Coleman says “research has consistently found that children and teenagers from divorced families do less well academically, on average, than children from intact ‘nuclear’ families. In the US that is reflected in estimates that children from divorced parents have an 8pc lower probability of completing high school and a 12pc lower probability of going to college”.
Likewise, “Psychologically and emotionally, there are also potential negative impacts of divorce. An Australian study found that children living with both parents are about half as likely to have emotional and psychological problems that require help than children who live in step-, blended or one-parent families. Studies have shown that depression and anxiety rates are higher in children from divorced parents. Echoing the finding about academics, however, children from high-conflict families often show improvements in their emotional wellbeing after divorce.”
On a more positive light, he adds that “one study showed that children from high conflict families (prior to divorce) may do better academically after divorce”.
