Divorce is never a happy tie for those involved. But for children, the major life change could be a debilitating event that causes enormous issues later in life. From higher incidences of smoking, to increased use of psychotropic drugs, here are some of the facts that The Week found that paints a bleak picture for children of divorced parents.
Lashing Out
Plenty of studies have shown that these children of divorce have a propensity for becoming rebellious as a way to lash out at their parents, who they see as villains. Types of behavior include developing smoking habits, dropping out of school and beginning a life of crime. According to a survey done by the law firm Mishcon de Reya, out of 2000 children of divorce, one in 10 turned to crime and 8 percent considered suicide.
Health Concerns
As evidenced by the increased smoking, children of divorce have been very susceptible to health concerns. Researchers have found many links between these kids and different ailments like increased Ritalin use to counteract mental health issues brought on by divorce and an increased propensity for getting sick, up nine percentage points versus children whose parents stayed together (35% to 26%). There have even been associations made to an increased risk of stroke later on in life.
"Let's make sure we don't have mass panic," said the study's lead researcher, Esme Fuller-Thompson, at the University of Toronto. "We don't know divorce causes stroke, we just know this association exists."
For more, visit The Week.
9 negative effects divorce reportedly has on children [The Week]