Emotional Effects of Divorce

While divorce may be difficult at first for Colorado residents, a recent piece argues that some of them may be happier after divorce. The piece suggests that women have an easier time coping because of factors such as custody, lower stress levels, and being the first to initiate the process.

Women are more likely to initiate divorce at about twice the rate of men. They are more confident in their decision to separate too. Therefore, they are less likely to experience shock or surprise when the divorce is imminent. Additionally, the author argues, women may overcome divorce more quickly due to "resilience." Ultimately, women are less likely to have high-stress levels after the divorce. Due to social support systems and added self-esteem for being independent, women are able to adjust more quickly.

The emotional experiences of men vary greatly from that of women. The emotional effects of separation may weigh more heavily on men since they are less likely to initiate the divorce. Additionally, adjusting to a new, single life may be more difficult for men. They may be forced to take over new domestic tasks and may miss the emotional intimacy. Additionally, social connections may be broken due to being newly single. However, men are typically more eager to remarry, perhaps to attain the emotional and physical intimacy that they lost during the divorce. Men who have joint legal custody of their children may do better long-term with child-rearing. Fathers can have a positive impact on their children's lives when they see their children on a regular basis.

Colorado family law attorneys may be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of divorce. They may also be able to discuss how they can help a spouse protect his or her legal rights during an emotionally trying time.

Source: Huffington Post, "7 Upsides in the Aftermath of Divorce", Nancy Fagan, September 10, 2013

Tags: Divorce