Divorce and it's Impact on Families

Divorce and its Impact on Families

Divorce affects millions of Americans nationwide. It is estimated that in the year 2015 there will be 26-million Americans who are divorced (Henslin, 2011). Some think this is a sign of strength and others see it as a sign of weakness. In any case, divorce affects each individual involved. Only 7 out of every 10 children live with both parents (Henslin, 2011). To me, the numbers are staggering. I chose divorce as my topic because I, myself, am a child of divorced parents. My parents divorced when I was 5 years old and my mother raised me all alone.
Very few parents take divorce lightly (Henslin, 2011). Each parent’s views can vary dramatically depending on the situation. No matter what the situation though, divorcing couples usually have the same types of feelings. They often find themselves on an emotional roller-coaster, and are filled with fears about an uncertain future (Henslin, 2011). Their identity is being shattered, and all of a sudden the person they had believed they would spend the rest of their lives with is not that person anymore. They worry about the future and they also worry about the effects the divorce will have on their children (Henslin, 2011). Parents who are going through a divorce often lose sight about how it might be effecting the children. They are usually preoccupied with their own emotions and be angry and hostile toward one another (Szilagyi, 2007)
The ones who don’t usually have a voice in the matter are the children who are caught up in the whirlwind of divorcing parents. Research has shown that the effects of divorce on a child can depend on a myriad of factors: the child’s age, gender, personality and how much conflict going on between the parents (Moses, 2013). For example; an infant might react to the energy levels surrounding him/her by losing his/her appetite or spitting up more. Preschool age children often blame themselves a school-aged children are able to understand that they are hurting due to their parent’s separation and may feel rejected (Moses, 2013). Children may see their parent’s separation as the end of their world and feel a great loss as well as anxiety, anger and possibly sadness (Szilagyi, 2007). If not taken into consideration, these feelings can turn into serious behavioral problems. Young children may have trouble sleeping, throw temper tantrums and have severe separation anxiety. Older children may turn to drugs, sex, and other risk-taking behaviors (Szilagyi, 2007). They may also
Divorce was once a very difficult thing to obtain; couples stayed together until death-do-us part (Henslin, 2011). These days society looks at divorce in a different way. Divorce is so common these days couples may even go into a marriage with the idea that if it doesn’t work there is a way out (Henslin, 2011). The problems it causes for children that are involved is what, I believe, makes it a social problem. Some researchers claim that divorce scars children for life (Henslin, 2011). Children of divorce suffer from more emotional problems and are at an increased risk for substances abuse and being in trouble with the law (Moses, 2013). All of these behaviors just add to the social issues revolving around divorce. Also, depending on the mental stability of the parents involved it could cause substance abuse issues with them as well. Being raised by only one parent is more likely to cause children to drop out of school and like I said earlier, get in trouble with the law (Henslin, 2011). Not having the father or mother role model is also detrimental to the children involved. All of these factors can contribute to these children growing up and having significant mental health issues that will need to be addressed in order for them to lead healthy productive lives (Henslin, 2011).

References
Henslin, J. M. (2011). Social problems: A down-to-earth approach. (10th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Moses, M. (2013). Helping Children Endure Divorce. Tennessee Bar Journal, 49(1), 34-38.
Szilagyi, M. (2007). Divorce and children. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/social_issues_affecting_children_and_their_families/divorce_and_children.html

References: Henslin, J. M. (2011). Social problems: A down-to-earth approach. (10th ed.). Allyn & Bacon. Moses, M. (2013). Helping Children Endure Divorce. Tennessee Bar Journal, 49(1), 34-38. Szilagyi, M. (2007). Divorce and children. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/childrens_health_issues/social_issues_affecting_children_and_their_families/divorce_and_children.html