Dr Braccio & Dave Akerly of 1320 AM, in the third part in a series on divorce, discuss THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN
May 18, 2021
This is the third segment we have done on divorce. I preface my comments with an awareness that divorce is a reasonable outcome when abuse, philandering, constant arguing, and irreconcilable differences between the couple can lead to the point that divorce is preferable and even necessary. With that said, the impact of divorce on children can range from minor to significant problems in adjustment. Children of divorce too often have to deal with one or more of the following: 1.Loss of one or both parents for a significant period of time weekly, monthly, or any time agreement the parents and/or courts decide. 2.Downsizing of home and other financial changes that can range from small to severe financial restraints. 3. Separation from beloved family members from one or both parents. 4.Subtle or outright attempts at parental alienation. 5.Limited interactions and even ending of friendships due to emotional distress. 6.Shame. 7.Anger. 8.Depression. 9. Anxiety 10 PTSD. 11.Poor academic performance. 12.Insecurity. 13.Guilt for break-up of parents. 14.Feelings of loss. 15.Poor relationships with the opposite sex/partners that can exist for a lifetime. 16.Physical problems. 17. Physical acting out behaviors. 18. Emotional acting out conflicts. 19. Necessity to adapt to stepparents and step-siblings. It is important to note blended families are a primary reason for follow-up divorces…When you look at the potential problems for children of divorce, even if not intentional, that can occur from a divorce, it is important parents think very hard about doing everything they can to keep the marriage together.