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A major social trend during the past century has been a global increase in the divorce rate. During the second half of the twentieth century divorce rates increased in most industrialized countries. Some of the social characteristics that appear to have contributed to the increase in the divorce rate are increased individualism, increasing marital expectations, the economic independence of women, and no-fault divorce laws. During the past 30 years there has been a gradual decrease in the US divorce rate.
Divorce is a complex process influenced by many social and individual characteristics. Factors that have been found to be associated with the risk of divorce include age at marriage, premarital cohabitation, parental divorce, infidelity, alcohol and drug abuse, poor financial management, and domestic violence.
Numerous researchers have found that compared with married persons, divorced persons tend to have more economic hardship, higher levels of poverty, lower levels of psychological well-being, less happiness, more health problems, and a greater risk of mortality. Cross-national data have confirmed similar findings in 20 countries across the world. One of the ongoing questions among social scientists is whether the differences between married and divorced individuals are due to selection or the stress of divorce. Recent research indicates that divorce appears to have a significant impact on well-being that is not explained by selection.
Four key factors tend to be associated with adjustment following divorce. First, those with adequate financial resources are more likely to adjust to the divorce. Second, those with a new intimate relationship (dating regularly, cohabiting, or remarried) are better adjusted. Third, divorce adjustment is more difficult for older than younger individuals. Fourth, social networks provide encouragement, support, and other resources.
Bibliography:
- Amato, P. R. (2000) The consequences of divorce for adults and children. Journal of Marriage and the Family 62: 1269—87.
- Wang, H. & Amato, P. R. (2000) Predictors of divorce adjustment: stressors, resources, and definitions. Journal ofMarriage and the Family 62: 655—68.