Divorce Adjustment Factors

By Keith Dodge

Divorce takes its toll on everyone involved. When divorce becomes a reality in a family
unit, there are some factors that can lessen the impact of divorce.

Lessens The Impact of Divorce Increases the Impact of Divorce

Parents do not put children in the Children are asked to choose between
middle. parents.

Children are told about the Children are not told about the
separation. separation or are given little
information.
Children are aware of the conflict
Parents hide conflict and angry feelings.
between parents.
Children are not held responsible Children are made to fell that divorce is
for the divorce. their fault.
Children are not used for parental Parent relies on child for personal
support. support.

Children receive support from

significant people.
Parents resolve personal anger.
The absent parent stays in contact The absent parent has little contact with
with the child.
Siblings.
Family moves into new schedule
fairly quickly.
Other environmental factors
remain stable.
Each parent frequently spends
individual time with each child.
Parents assist each child with
individual adjustment reaction.
Children are allowed to grieve.
Children are isolated from family and
friends.
Parents are unable to resolve anger.
the child.
Only child.
Family remains disorganized long after
separation.
Life is greatly changed: school,
neighborhood, parent's work hours and
so on.
Little individual attention is given to
children.
Parents are not aware of individual
adjustment reactions.
Loss is denied—no grieving is allowed.
 Family focuses on the positive Family focuses on present calamity.
and the future.
Parents had previous good Child had not previously felt loved or
relationship with the child. valued by parents.