The Effects of Divorce on Young Children

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that there are six basic areas of behavior that researchers feel are effected by the divorce of a child's parents early in life-- the increased use of mental health services; externalizing problems, such as delinquency, aggression, and disobedience; internalizing problems, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem; intellectual and academic functioning; pro-social skills; and functional skills in adult life. Each of these are carefully studied and analyzed.

Introduction:
Troubling effects of Divorce
Usage of Mental Health Services
Externalization of Problems
Internalization of Problems
Intellectual and Academic Functionability
Affects on Social Skills
Functional Skills as Adults
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Divorce is best described as a process of change which extends over time and across a number of areas of family functioning. In divorce, there are differences in both family processes and in the children's accommodation to change. There is a definite relationship between divorce and some psychological problems among children of divorced families. The relationship between divorce and children's adjustment sparked theories that focus solely on the developmental importance of a healthy family structure."

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• Cause and Effect Essay # 16946 : "Divorce"

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