Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children (Mental Health Consequences of Parental Conflict)

Divorce may increase the risk for mental health problems in children and adolescents. Regardless of age, gender, and culture, children of divorced parents experience increased psychological problems. Divorce may trigger an adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety and substance use in children. But, studies have also found depression and anxiety rates are higher in children from divorced parents.

Research has documented that parental divorce/separation is associated with an increased risk for child and adolescent adjustment problems, including academic difficulties (e.g., lower grades and school dropout), disruptive behaviors (e.g., conduct and substance use problems), and depressed mood

Divorce is inarguably intensely distressing for children. Outside the territory of family, because of the label of divorce, the child faces tough time attempting to be accepted by a narrow- minded society. In socioeconomic attainments, children who experience their parents' divorce have lower educational prospects than children from intact homes. Within the family, the obvious effects are on the physiological behavior of the child.

Separation/divorce also raises legal concerns bearing on the well‐being and custody of children. The “best interests of children” is the prevailing custody standard, and “best” typically is interpreted in psychological terms (as opposed to, for example, economic ones). Mental health professionals and others may become involved, willingly or unwillingly, as expert witnesses in custody contests. Alternatively, some professionals promote or offer alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation. Mental health professionals also can play a critical role in advising parents, and perhaps in the development of law and policy.

Despite the fact that divorce is tough on families, staying together for the sole sake of the children may not be the best option. Children who live in homes with a lot of arguing, hostility and discontentment may be at a higher risk for developing mental health issues and behavior problems.

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