A number of developmental problem, in children, are associated with a lack of economic resources. A child's nutrition and health may be negatively affected by economic hardship. Educational items such as: private lessons, educational toys, computers, and books are also often difficult for single-parent families to afford, as often found in the loss of income experienced by custodial mothers. Reduced income may force the family to move into lower income neighborhoods, where school systems are not as adequately funded. Lastly, living in poverty can be stigmatizing for the child, which can lead into the entry into deviant subcultures.
The general well-being of children of divorce is also negatively affected by the conflict during the separation period. This interparental hostility is a severe stressor for children. It creates a home environment that's aversive, creating stress, unhappiness and insecurity for the children and negatively impacts their development. This conflict is likely to increase the stress in the parents as well, making them less effective when dealing with their children, during this difficult process. Children are often drawn into the conflict between the divorcing parents. This not only adds to their stress levels, but also further deteriorates the parent-child relationships (Amato and Keith, 1991).
Conclusion:
Despite a recent decline over the last fifteen years, the rate of divorce, in the United States, is significant. As a result, millions of children are affected by marriage dissolution. Divorce is a critical life experience, for children, reshaping their family structure and often their entire world. With this change often comes...
Loneliness levels have also been shown to be increased, in children of divorce. These results have been shown consistent despite other variables such as: age, age at the time of divorce, gender, number of siblings, or even the amount of time the non-custodial parent spends with their child. The overall well-being of the child is negatively affected by divorce. Increased stress, reduced parental involvement, and reduced economic resources all also play a part in this too common occurrence, for children.
References
Amato, P. & Keith, B. (Jul 1991). Parental divorce and the well-being of children: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 110(1). Retrieved July 27, 2009, from PsycArticles.
Civitci, N., Civitci, A., & Fiyakali, N. (May 2009). Loneliness and life satisfaction in adolescents with divorced and non-divorced parents. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 9(2). Retrieved July 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete.
Divorce rates by state: 1990, 1995, and 1999-2004. (19 Oct 2005). Retrieved July 27, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/divorce90_04.pdf.
Heatherington, E. (Oct 1979). Divorce: A child's perspective. American Psychologist, 34(11). Retrieved July 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete.
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