03:04
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Consequences of divorce for children
Short term- long term
Divorce vs. parental conflict
Selection or causation?
Estimating divorce effects
A short methodological history
Short Term effects
Effects differ by time horizon
Near universal emotional turmoil during “crisis period”, 1-2 years (e.g. depression, self-
esteem, irritability, behavioral problems)
Factors
Loss of a parent (by divorce)
Economic loss
Diminished parenting- coercive cycles
Multiple transitions (new home, school, friends, parents) may create problems in the
child’s life
Long Term effects
Evidence for some but not widespread long-term harm
Distress vs. disorder
Most children resume normal emotional/behavioral development
Adult mental health of adult children of divorce somewhat worse
Glass half empty vs. half full
29% kids experiencing divorce vs. 13% of kids not experiencing divorce do drop out of
high school
7/10 kids experiencing divorce vs. 9/10 kids not experiencing divorce do not
drop out of
high school
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Divorce vs. Conflict
Pre and post divorce marital conflict may harm children
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- Spring '08
- Staff
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