Children and How They Are Affected by Divorce In years past, the American dream for most girls was to grow up and marry Prince Charming and "live happily ever after" Although this is expected, it is rarely achieved. Marriage is the legal and binding union between a man and a woman. However, when couples get married, they vow to stand by their partner." Until death do us part." Currently that vow seems to have little to no value in today's society. The current statistics on marriage survival are quite grim. The divorce rate in the United States is between 50% and an astonishing 67%. (KSL News) One factor contributing to the growing divorce epidemic is the separation of multiple family members or the breakdown of the family unit, as well as the effect this can have on children or the other spouse split can lead to divorce and ultimately many negative implications. It could affect mental stability and create even more conflict and tension among others. Research evidence has shown that marital distress and conflict within a marriage cause a wide range of negative effects on the children of feuding spouses. Many of the effects on children include depression, isolation, social inadequacy, mental health problems and decreased academic status. A study conducted in 1991 suggests that out of 13,000 people, children who come from a divorced family tended to do poorly academically and showed more behavioral problems. Some American couples suggest that divorce could be a way to resolve their problems quickly and perhaps more easily, rather than taking the time to work things out through counseling and other alternatives. When divorce occurs, it doesn't just happen among those who are married, everyone in relation to the divorced person is affected. This suggests a “community divorce” and presents many other dilemmas. Community divorces contribute to conflicts between mutual friends and create tensions between some family members. More often than not, children are in the midst of a divorce and feel like it might be their fault. Many times the well-being of children is not adequately taken into consideration. Although some situations allow for flexibility, for example: growing up in an abusive home versus separating two parents. However,......middle of paper...just the separation of feelings of love between people - is the separation of lifestyle and stability for the children involved.Works Cited:Amato, PR (1993 ). Children's adjustment to divorce: Theories, hypotheses, and empirical support. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, 55, 23-38. Amato, P. R. (1994). Adjustment of children's lifespan to parental divorce. THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN, 4, 143-164. Amato, P. R., & Keith, B. (1991). Parental divorce and child well-being: A meta-analysis. PSYCHOLOGICAL BULLETIN, 110, 26-46. Hetherington, E. M. (1993). An overview of the Virginia longitudinal study of divorce and remarriage with a focus on early adolescence. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY, 7, 39-56.Hughes, R., Jr. (1996) INTERNET IN - SERVICE ON CHILDREN AND DIVORCEhttp://www.hec.ohio-state.edu/famlife/divorce/index.htm, (January 8, 2004) Landers, Ann? (accessed January 8, 2004) THE EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON PARENTING CHILDREN DURING AND AFTER DIVORCE, © American Responsible Divorce NetworkUnknown (accessed January 8, 2004) STEPS IN REDUCING THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN, http: //www .matrimonio-relazioni.com