When a child’s parents divorce, he or she is likely to be impacted by many changes. For children from wealthier families, these changes are likely more significant in number and impact thereby leading to negative behavioral changes. This is one theory that researchers cite in helping explain findings from a recent study about how children are impacted by divorce.
The study, which was conducted by researchers from two prominent U.S. universities, reviewed data from 4,000 children who from 1986 to 2008, participated in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. When dividing up respondents based upon income, researchers discovered that children from wealthier families appeared to display the more negative behaviors after a divorce.
Any parent who goes through a divorce worries about how a child will respond and adjust. While many children prove to be resilient and show few signs of distress, others may experience numerous changes that negatively impact their behavior, self-esteem, academics and social lives.
When discussing the study’s findings, researchers noted that overall children from wealthier families displayed more behavioral problems post-divorce. For these children changes in living arrangements, finances and other socio-economic factors are likely more significant and negative in nature.
For wealthier families where 60 percent report that the father is the primary breadwinner, the financial implications of divorce are likely more pronounced. In cases where a mother is awarded primary child custody, a child may be more impacted by changes in socio-economic status.
Illinois parents who are going through a divorce may also feel overwhelmed by the many life changes that occur. Additionally, a couple may be embroiled in a legal dispute over the division of assets and child custody. For parents who are concerned about a child’s behavior, it’s wise to seek help from a professional therapist or counselor.
Source: Tech Times, “Children of wealthier parents are more affected by divorce: Study,” Lauren Keating, Sept. 17, 2014
