A recent study conducted by researchers at Iowa State has shown that divorce may not create the damaging, lasting effects on children as previously thought.

The study, “Explaining the Higher Incidence of Adjustment Problems Among Children of Divorce Compared to Those in Intact Families,” was conducted by researchers at Iowa State’s Department of Sociology and Institute for Social and Behavioral Research. It was reported in the November edition of the Journal of Marriage and the Family.

The research examines all the major factors associated with divorce and child development problems, including loss of family income, parental conflict, psychological adjustment and parenting practices of the custodial parent, as well as the involvement of the non-custodial father.

“Other previous studies have considered only one or two of these important factors,” said Robert M. Milardo, editor of the journal.

Past research has shown that divorce is a main contributor to adverse behavior in children, such as lower academic achievement, early entry into sexual activity, substance abuse and delinquency.

Although the study found that the actual negative effects of divorce on children are often widely stereotyped and not as common as many believe, they still exist.

“Children of divorced households have an almost doubled chance for behavioral and emotional adjustment problems,” said Ronald L. Simons, head author of the study and professor of sociology. “Our study found, however, that most children do not show any lasting negative effects in adult life.”

Researchers focused on two dimensions of child adjustment for the study: whether children externalized problems, displaying delinquent or violent behavior, or if they internalized their anxiety, showing depression and other emotional distress. These dimensions varied depending on gender.

Among all children, girls were more likely to experience depression, while boys were more likely to display conduct problems.

The research in this study also showed that the absence of a father in the home increases boys’ chances of becoming depressed as well.

“The father’s departure from the household has a great impact upon a child’s emotional state,” Simons said. “Fathers can counteract this by remaining supportive and involved in the child’s life.”

The role of the father may change after a divorce as well, according to the study. Fathers may give up their parenting role and replace it with a role that is more like an adult friend or “buddy.”

Researchers discovered that non-residential fathers were less likely to enforce discipline, solve problems and discuss standards of conduct with their children. The study also said divorced mothers were inclined to make fewer demands on their children and have less productive disciplinary reactions to their children’s behavior than married mothers.

These findings are part of ISU’s Transitions Project, a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study followed 328 two-parent Iowa households and 206 divorced households headed by mothers during the past decade, Simons said.

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Divorce in families

Girls are more likely to:

• experience depression.

Boys are more likely to:

• display conduct problems.

• become depressed if the father is absent.

Mothers are less likely to:

• make demands.

• have productive disciplinary reactions.

Fathers are less likely to:

• enforce discipline.

• solve problems.

• discuss standards of conduct with children.

Source: Department of Sociology and Institute for Social and Behavioral Research