The Effects of Divorce on Children
Abstract
Divorce is one of the most challenging life events a child can experience and will have lasting effects on the child's emotional, behavioral, academic, and social development. This paper examines how parental divorce influences children across different stages of development. You will be able to identify factors that contribute both positive and negative outcomes of the children's well-being. This paper reviews research on the emotional impact of divorce, changes in academic performance, parent-child relationships, financial instability, and long-term effects going into adulthood. This research explores factors, including effective co-parenting, consistent parental involvement, counseling services, and resources that support school environments that help children adjust to family changes. Findings from the reviewed paper indicate that divorce can increase the risk of anxiety, and behavioral problems. This lowers academic achievement, many children demonstrate resilience when many children receive stable support from parents, schools, and communities. The evidence suggests that the quality of family relationships following divorce has a higher influence on children's well-being than the divorce itself and that it is a critical focus for interventions and support. These findings highlight the importance of reducing parental conflict and providing emotional and educational support to promote healthy child development during and after divorce.
(Keywords):Divorce, children, family, child development, long-term, children's well-being
Year Manuscript Completed
Summer 2026
Senior Project Advisor
dr Jordan
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree
Field of Study
Agricultural Studies
Document Type
Thesis
Recommended Citation
Cavanaugh, Taziah L., "The Effects of Divorce on Children" (2026). Integrated Studies. 754.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/bis437/754