Effects of Divorce on Children

As divorces increase, so do the resultant problems and effects associated with such trauma on children. Some consider one of the single most serious problems faced by schoolchildren today to be that of psychological problems from parental discord, abuse, or divorce (Morgenthau, 199091). Young children are the most profoundly affected, and over 60 percent of psychological problems reported in children from 5 to 12 can be traced to or associated with parental problems (StanleyHagen and Anderson, 1989). Additionally, older children are affected as well, particularly those who experience parental discord resulting in divorce in late adolescence (Cain, 1990).

In the 20th century, the legal aspects of divorce have undergone a gradual change in both policy and structure. This is particularly evident in the changing grounds listed in many contemporary divorce decrees, as the proportion of divorces granted on specific grounds declined. According to national data, between 186786 and 1965, adultery declined

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s torn between his or her own emotions and the need to be supportive of the parent. Children were also used as communications channels between parents who refused to talk directly to each other. They carried messages back and forth about arrangements for the visits and holidays; they made requests for extra money, and acted as debt collectors for overdue child support. Like the proverbial Greek messengers, the children were blamed and punished if the message was not to the receiver's liking. Very frequently they were caught in the middle and became the target of the angry exchange (Johnson and Campbell, 1988, p. 152). In general, though, these children who are used as pawns between angry adults benefit the least from jointcustody or frequent access to both parents. In cases where there existed a great deal of anger and anxiety between parents, children were found, even two to three years later, to be more depressed, withdrawn, and uncommunicative. In addition, the boys' social competence was more likely to be disrupted by more frequent movement between parents' homes. Part of the reason for the children's increased distress could be attributed to the fact that their parents fought more after frequent visits. Consequentl
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Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page)

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