Effects of Divorce on the Academic Performance of Children

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Using the following guidelines, how does divorce affect children and their childhood?

• Academic achievement, approaches to learning, rationale and purpose

One study revealed that academic achievement is affected if the parents have a negative relationship and/or parental conflict. It can also potentially threaten intergenerational exchange of family support when the divorce results in "step" families being formed.

Other effects include children suffering from psychosocial stressors who are at a significant and pervasive risk for developing mental health problems.

There are multiple problems that young people experience which affects them through to adulthood. These include internalizing and externalizing problems, interpersonal difficulties, poor physical health, and even substance abuse.

A clinical psychologist noted that the distraction caused by the changes in the family might prevent the child from completing assignments thus providing an obstacle to staying up to date with his/her work. In addition, rumination about the situation at home and the divorce could cause lapses in the child's concentration in the classroom.

Some children may blame themselves for their parents' divorce and may, subsequently harbor unrealistic expectations, which might include bringing his/her parents, back together again. The divorce can also affect the child from accepting reality in a number of ways.

Some children may also be ashamed of their parents' situation even though divorce is common. This can be due to the fact that this is a new experience and can feel uncomfortable about having to go through this. The children may attempt to hide it from their peers and teachers or they may withdraw from their classmates in an attempt to avoid embarrassment and/or possible bullying.

A common result of divorce is fear. A child may wonder about what his/her situation will be after the divorce.

Thus you have a child dealing with physical changes in their domestic situation, dealing with psychosocial stress, and trying to deal with fear. The child is usually not feeling cared for or loved even though he/she may still be receiving care and love from both parents or one parent. It would be a dire situation when both parents no longer care for the child. The child would feel hurt and abandoned and will be at even greater risk for "at-risk" behaviors such as violence, suicide, and substance abuse. In very extreme cases, the child could suffer from severe mental health issues resulting in institutionalization.

On a deeper level, the child understands that ...