Understanding the Psychological Impact of Divorce and How to Cope

Divorce is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences. At Maguire Family Law, we understand that the end of a marriage is an emotional journey that can have profound psychological effects.

The Emotional Toll of Divorce

Divorce can trigger a wide range of emotions, often likened to the stages of grief. These may include:

1. Shock and denial
2. Anger and resentment
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

It’s important to remember that these types of emotions are normal and that everyone experiences divorce differently. The emotional journey is rarely linear, and you may find yourself moving back and forth between these stages as you process the end of your marriage.

Common Psychological Effects of Divorce

Research has documented that divorce is associated with an increased risk of adjustment problems in both children and adults (D’Onofrio & Emery, 2019). Some common psychological effects include:

Anxiety and stress

The uncertainty about the future that comes with divorce can lead to heightened anxiety. You may worry about financial stability, living arrangements, or the impact on your children.

Depression

Feelings of loss, failure, and the end of shared dreams can contribute to depressive symptoms. Studies have found that divorce is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety (D’Onofrio & Emery, 2019).

Identity crisis

Adjusting to being single can be challenging, especially if you’ve been married for a long time. You may struggle with questions about who you are outside of the marriage.

Low self-esteem

The end of a marriage can significantly impact one’s sense of self-worth. You might find yourself questioning your value or attractiveness.

Trust issues

If infidelity and betrayal played a role in your divorce, you might find it difficult to trust others in future relationships.

Increase of stress-induced health problems

The emotional toll of divorce can manifest physically, leading to an increased risk of health conditions such as insomnia, weight changes, or exacerbation of existing health conditions.

Evidence-Based Coping Strategies for Divorce

Research has shown that divorce can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. A study by Sbarra et al. (2015) found that divorce is associated with increased risk of early death, particularly for men.

However, the same study also highlighted how individuals cope with divorce can significantly influence these outcomes. At Maguire Family Law, we’re committed to not only providing expert legal advice but also supporting your overall wellbeing during this challenging time.

Here are some evidence-based strategies to help you navigate the divorce process:

• Seek Professional Support

Research by Amato (2000) indicates that individuals who receive therapy during divorce show better adjustment in the years following. At Maguire Family Law, we can refer you to trusted mental health professionals who specialise in divorce counselling, ensuring you receive comprehensive support alongside our legal services.

• Build a Strong Support Network

Sbarra et al. (2015) emphasise the importance of social support in mitigating the negative health effects of divorce. Our team at Maguire Family Law can provide information about local support groups and resources to help you build a robust support network.

• Prioritise Physical Health

Both studies highlight the interconnection between physical and mental health during divorce. We encourage our clients to maintain regular exercise and a healthy diet. If needed, we can recommend local wellness programmes to cater for individuals going through divorce.

• Focus on Personal Growth

Amato’s research (2000) suggests that viewing divorce as an opportunity for personal growth can lead to better long-term outcomes. Our solicitors at Maguire Family Law can help you focus on future planning and goal-setting as part of your divorce strategy.

• Maintain Stability for Children

Researchers also found that maintaining stability for children can significantly reduce the negative impacts of divorce on wellbeing (Amato, 2000). Our child arrangements services are designed to help you create a stable environment for your children during and after the divorce process.

• Consider Mediation

Sometimes less adversarial approaches to divorce can lead to better psychological outcomes. At Maguire Family Law, we offer mediation services that can help reduce conflict and stress during the divorce process.

• Financial Planning

Sbarra et al. (2015) note that financial stress can exacerbate the health impacts of divorce. Our financial settlements team can help you plan for a financially secure future, potentially reducing this source of stress.

How Maguire Family Law Can Help

Maguire Family Law’s team of specialist family law solicitors is committed to providing comprehensive support that addresses both the legal and emotional aspects of divorce.

Maguire Family Law is a Tier 1 ranked firm in the Legal 500, reflecting our commitment to excellence in both legal expertise and client care. With offices in Manchester, Altrincham, Wilmslow, Knutsford, and London, we’re conveniently located to provide the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us on 0162 554 4650 today, or request a callback.

Sources

Amato, P. R. (2000). The consequences of divorce for adults and children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 62(4), 1269-1287. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2000.01269.x

D’Onofrio, B., & Emery, R. (2019). Parental divorce or separation and children’s mental health. World Psychiatry, 18(1), 100-101. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313686/

Sbarra, D. A., Hasselmo, K., & Bourassa, K. J. (2015). Divorce and Health: Beyond Individual Differences. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(2), 109–113. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386225/