{"id":52620,"date":"2020-06-30T11:01:49","date_gmt":"2020-06-30T11:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=52620"},"modified":"2024-12-26T11:25:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-26T11:25:06","slug":"separation-and-divorce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/separation\/separation-and-divorce\/","title":{"rendered":"Separation and Divorce: The Impact on Couple, Kids & Extended Family"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Problems<\/p>\n

No one goes into a marriage expecting a divorce. Yet, it comes as a difficult decision and it is difficult to come to terms with such a life-changing decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Divorce is an emotionally fueled situation leading to a lot of changes. Change of any kind is hard and divorce, especially. <\/span>Going through a separation and divorce means having to find strength and coping mechanisms while in a vulnerable state.<\/b><\/p>\n

Read on to understand the effects of separation and divorce on family and begin to design a strategy on <\/span>how to cope with marriage separation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Consequences of divorce<\/span><\/h2>\n

Divorce is challenging because so many relationships are affected, ex-partners, kids, and extended family. However, although marriage separation with kids is an emotionally stressful event, it is possible to have a healthy breakup. Learning what factors contribute to adjustments can help speed up the process.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Separation and divorce impact on a couple<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Upset<\/p>\n

Effects of divorce on the couple<\/span><\/a> require them to make quick adjustments to their role as a partner and a parent. The emotional effects of divorce on ex-partners can range from mild to severe. For ex-partners, divorce can be more or less damaging, depending, among other things, on their ability to be independent and rely on the support system they have.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ex partners, after separation and divorce, can experience:<\/span><\/p>\n

  • Increased unhappiness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Loneliness and distancing from close people<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lower productivity and focus<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Anxiety and\/or depression<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Lowered self-esteem<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Substance abuse<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Feelings of anger, frustration and\/or helplessness<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Increased stress-related health problems<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>

    On the bright side, <\/span>the effects can be temporary as long as you keep working on yourself and adapting to the situation.<\/b> No challenge is impossible as long as you stay positive, take an active role in change, and be kind to yourself when things are difficult. Having professional help, you overcome separation, and divorce can help you go through it faster and with less short and long-term consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span>Separation and divorce impact on kids<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Although separation and divorce can be traumatic, it is not all that dark. <\/span>Research <\/span><\/a>shows that 2 years following a divorce, most children adjust well. Furthermore, children experience more problems <\/span>when parents remain in high-conflict marriages instead of splitting up<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    When kids are faced with their parents’ divorce they can feel a wide range of emotions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n

    • confusion<\/span><\/li>\n
    • frustration<\/span><\/li>\n
    • anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
    • sadness<\/span><\/li>\n
    • fear<\/span><\/li>\n
    • anger<\/span><\/li>\n
    • and\/or guilt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>

      They might think it is their fault having heard their parents argue over them so many times. They might protest against the situation and start acting out. <\/span><\/p>\n

      You might notice they have withdrawn, their academic performance going down, or exhibiting any other problematic behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n

      When divorce happens, there is a particular “divorce” in the parent-child relationship happening as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Kids in divorced homes, compared to intact families, receive less emotional support<\/a>, financial assistance, practical help, affection, encouragement of social maturity, and warmth from their parents. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Since parents going through divorce are more exhausted, and stressed, it could happen that parental control and expression of love decrease.<\/b><\/p>\n

      According to <\/span>Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz<\/span><\/a>, a licensed clinical social worker:<\/span><\/p>\n

      Since divorce can be challenging, it’s essential for parents to provide emotional support and communicate to children that the divorce was not their fault. This support and reassurance can minimize the negative effects of divorce on children.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

      Also watch:<\/strong> 7 Most Common Reasons for Divorce<\/span><\/p>\n