Many, many studies have been conducted on the effects of divorce on children. There are many theories and plenty of opinions on how to help children during an obviously difficult time in their lives. But most of the effects of divorce on children are relatively easy to imagine without much evidence or proof.
For example, it makes sense that a child will become confused when his or her parents were previously living together and then separate. The children will necessarily need some explanation as well as time to understand what is happening.
Most of the studies zero in on showing that the children are effected emotionally, often negatively so, by a divorce. Boys are more likely to react negatively to a divorce. They often become more violent, aggressive, and apathetic in regards to school work. Boys do not suffer more than girls, but they are more likely to outwardly show their emotional distress.
Girls on the other hand are more likely to bottle up their emotions. They let out their feelings in short bursts that relieve the tension they feel. Girls are also more likely to experience physical changes from the divorce. They develop chronic headaches, intestinal disorders, and depression. These are common systems of anyone that keeps distressing feelings bottled up.
Whether there are many children, or just one, or boys or girls, divorce is going to have an effect on the child or children. Knowing the symptoms of divorce on children will help the parents give their children the attention and support they need. They will be able to give them added explanation and help alleviate the effects.
Image by: Angelo González
