Study Shows Divorce Effects on Young Children

According to a study co-authored by an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, children aged five and under who are subjected to the impact of divorce are more likely to experience behavioral problems which often last into pre-adolescence. The authors of the study noted that they did not observe such problems in behavior in children born to unmarried parents. The reasons for this could be that divorce for the children of married couples was more disruptive of what constituted normalcy for these children. Those born to unmarried parents did not have the same basis of stability and family structure; therefore, their behavior problems were not primarily caused by these factors.

The authors of the study used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, which conducted surveys of young people aged 14 to 22 in 1979 and those aged 12 to 17 in 1997. Data from the studies has been an important component in many related investigations by sociologists, economists, and researchers in other fields. The study points up the fact that disruption of the family dynamic can have a profound effect on the psychological and emotional health of children, with effects seemingly worse for those aged five and under who have less ability to understand or cope with such changes.

Divorce Attorney in New York

Divorce is generally a very difficult and often traumatic event for all those involved, especially young children as evidenced by the above report. If you are facing the prospective end of your marriage, getting sound legal guidance and support is essential. At the family law firm of Eiges & Orgel, PLLC you can work with a skilled legal team that has more than 75 years of combined experience in this field. The firm offers seasoned legal help in all types of divorce, from the simple to the complex, including alternative dispute resolution methods for divorce, such as divorce mediation and collaborative divorce.

Get the help you need to make your divorce less stressful for all involved; learn how an attorney at the firm can assist you in finding the easiest and most efficient way to dissolve your marriage while still protecting your interests. With offices in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, help is just a phone call away. Contact the firm for a comprehensive consultation today.