Summary of Divorce

Our group did research on the following topics:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.       <!--[endif]-->How Divorce Affects Women

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->How Prenuptials Agreements Affect Marriage

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.       <!--[endif]-->Divorce- How Does it Affect children?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.      <!--[endif]-->Dating After Divorce with Children

The topic of divorce is multi-faceted and our group focused on four aspects affected by this decision. Not only does divorce affect the couple, but also the children and the societal perception of the family. Our group found that women are affected physically by divorce in many ways like weight problems, depression, and trouble sleeping. Women also have a harder time on their own in terms of finances because they can no longer rely on two incomes. However, research shows that many women feel much happier after divorce because they have gained a sense of freedom from marital responsibilities like making dinner.  

Prenuptial agreements are becoming more and more common as couples desire to protect their pre-marital assets. There are many benefits, such as opening lines of communication and clarifying money concerns. On the other hand, there are many negative connotations that follow a “pre-nup” such as unequally representing the marriage, often having a controlling party, and leaving a lifetime of corrosive memories. In conclusion, it appears that a pre-nuptial agreement is associated with more negative results.

Along with women, children are also severely affected by divorce. The age of the child at the time of divorce can result in a different reaction socially and mentally. For example, a younger child may regress and an adolescent may rebel against their parents. Much like the freedom that women gain from divorce, there are positive effects for children too. Their family after a divorce can become a much more positive atmosphere to develop in as opposed to a family in constant conflict. Children of divorce are also more likely to gain confidence and an internal locus of control.

In relation to dating, our group found that dating after divorce normally occurs within one year after the separation. This is often fraught with concern for divorced individuals with children. It is a delicate equation to figure out when it is appropriate to introduce the topic of dating and having a new romantic figure in the family. Helping children to not stress out about this shift can often lead to downplaying of severity. In conclusion, it appears that dating after a divorce with children is an unexplored area that is often up for the parent’s interpretation. From our research we can conclude that divorce does not just affect one aspect of life; but can also affect one’s health, dating life, financial situation and children.

Izzy Lawrence

Chaline Thande

Megan Clark

Rosie Nelson