The University of Pittsburgh Weighs in on Challenges of Divorce

 Posted on March 27, 2014 in Divorce

You are thinking of meeting with a divorce attorney and wonder what impact your decision will have on your children. You understand the tension and uneasiness blanketing the house may soon dissipate and you and the kids can settle into a more harmonic routine. You worry a bit about how the kids will handle the absence of their other parent, but take some comfort in their resiliently. You are not expecting any changes in their behavior as all things fall into place.

Researchers, Daniel S. Shaw and Erin M. Ingoldsby of the University of Pittsburgh disagree. These colleagues have researched the conceptualizations of the impact of divorce on children and how they tend to adjust to the overall situation. By highlighting sections of their Children of Divorce you may gain a better understanding of the behaviors on the horizon as your children adjust to the new family dynamics. Externalization Problems

This is the most consistent finding when it comes to how a child may process the situation and brings to the surface personal difficulties with delinquency, aggression and disobedience.

Internalization Problems

Although this is less compelling than the evidence of externalization issues, research suggests difficulties are more common in girls than their male counterparts. Female children of divorce are more likely to experience depression, anxiety and personal feelings of distress.

Cognitive Deficits and Academic Problems

Academic research suggests that children of divorce households experience lower academic achievement and are typically more dependent, noncompliant and sometimes unpopular with peers. It is also noted that these children maintain lower scores both in math and history. Furthermore, they are more likely to repeat a grade.

The authors also touch upon such additional issues as:

• Interparental Conflict;
• Residential Parent Relationships;
• Non-Residential Parent Relationships;
• Separation Anxiety;
• Temporal Influences;
• Family Economics;
• Remarriage.

In summary, the authors endorse treatment plan options that would include well-controlled interventions targeting the child but with varying degrees of parental participation. Your decision to file for divorce is likely not an easy one. The emotional well-being of your children has always been your primary concern. Reaching out to a professional psychologist or counselor may be the right course of action for both you and your children. For those residing in the Chicago and surrounding areas, Psychology Today provides a listing of board-certified psychologists available to guide your children through the divorce process. To guide you through the process, the attorneys at A. Traub & Associates are also standing by. Our experienced team serving DuPage, Will, Cook and Kane Counties will thoroughly research and assess your situation to ensure your best interests are protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.