Children not living with both biological parents are more likely to experience psychological struggles and academic problems.
2. Long-term effects of divorce on children can include increased susceptibility to substance .
abuse. .
3. Teenagers with divorced parents are 50 percent more likely to drink alcohol than those with married .
parents. .
Children of divorce are more likely to experience divorces of their own" (Moses p.34).
"Research shows that the effects of divorce on a child depend to some extent on the age of the child at the time of divorce, the child's gender and personality, and the degree of conflict between the parents " (Moses p.34). .
"Infants may react to changes in parents' energy level and mood by losing their appetite or spitting up more. Preschool-aged children often blame themselves for their parent's divorce, viewing it as the consequence of their own misbehavior. They may regress and exhibit behavior such as bedwetting and may become uncoopera - tive or aggressive. School-aged children are old enough to understand that they are hurting because of their parents' separation. They may feel rejected by the parent who left. It is not uncommon for children in this age group to exhibit psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches. Adolescents may become excessively moody, with - drawn, depressed or anxious. They may favor one parent, blaming the other for the divorce " (Moses p.34). .
"Some research even suggests gender differences. Certain studies have found that children raised primarily by a parent of the same sex tend to have greater success adjusting to the divorce than those who are raised primarily by a parent of the opposite sex. ".
"The quality of a child's relationship with the primary parent is a particularly strong indicator of the child's successful adjustment following a divorce. It also goes without saying that day-to-day involvement of both parents lets a child know that he or she is loved.