The impact of the divorce process on spouses and children
Over time, we see more and more cases where couples decide to break up the nuclear family and get divorced. While this phenomenon is common, the revolutionary consequences it brings should not be underestimated.
Divorce They bring with them a major shift in all aspects of the household’s lives, changing the existing situation and forcing them to confront the new conditions.
Divorce is seen as a type of crisis that can affect all members of the household, both the spouses and their children. In this article, we will discuss the divorce crisis and answer questions such as: What is the psychological impact of divorce on the spouses? What is the impact on the children? Is it worth seeking psychological therapy and when? And so on.
Divorce as a traumatic event
The event of divorce can be defined as traumatic, because it may affect family members in a way similar to the effects of trauma.
Traumatic events Identified with a behavioral change in which symptoms of anxiety are usually seen, especially abandonment anxiety, a tendency towards pessimism, anticipating the worst, feelings of guilt, etc. In many cases, such behavior is observed among children of divorced parents and sometimes even among the divorcing parents themselves.
The psychological impact of divorce on couples
Whether the choice to divorce is mutual or unilateral, the effects usually take a toll on both partners. Following a divorce, we often see many fears, fear of being alone, fear of abandonment, and more. In addition, feelings of anger, dependency, helplessness, instability, need for reinforcement, understanding, and so on.
If the divorce process does not go smoothly, but involves tensions, frustrations, and quarrels between the spouses, with the issue of parenting usually appearing as the most important, the psychological effects may be more severe and severe than in a process that goes on peacefully and amicably between the spouses.
The psychological impact of divorce on children
The family framework is perceived by children as a stable framework that accompanies them throughout their lives, as an anchor from which they can leave the house and explore the world. Dismantling the framework may eliminate balance and stability, destabilize the child, and cause damage that, if not diagnosed and treated, may be irreversible.
For children, divorce is a source of distress, stress, anxiety, and the absorption of conflict between parents. The effects of divorce on children appear in most areas of life and lead to problems in social, behavioral, achievement, and more.
The main symptoms in children of divorced parents are: weakened self-image, aggressiveness, difficulty adjusting to conditions, social difficulties and often also deterioration in relationships with parents.
Children are affected by the many tensions that stem from the disputes and struggles between their parents. Most of them are prone to difficult emotions such as guilt, a damaged perspective on relationships and family, and a shaky sense of stability.
A good and stable relationship between the child and the parent who does not live with him at home, along with minimizing conflict between the parents as much as possible, will help reduce the child’s psychological-social problems.
When and why is it recommended to seek psychological treatment for divorced couples?
Because the effects of divorce are numerous and severe, family members, both parents and children, often need psychological therapy.
In cases where the effects of divorce cause suffering, anxiety, a sense of emptiness, depression, etc., it is recommended to seek psychological therapy. The therapy will help you cope with the divorce crisis and provide you with the tools to move on.
When and why is it recommended to seek psychological treatment for children of divorced parents?
In most cases, parents do not have what it takes to help children gain the tools to mentally cope with divorce, so it is recommended to contact a psychologist who specializes in the field.
If children show symptoms indicating Mental distress Such as: sadness, bad dreams, various fears, changes in the child’s behavior, for example, behavior that is not appropriate for the child’s age, or inappropriate behavior. Psychological therapy can help the child process and cope with the situation he finds himself in.
Psychological therapy for children of divorced parents can help gradually reduce the difficulties associated with an event that is perceived by the child as traumatic and life-shaking. The method of treatment will be decided according to the child’s unique problems. Treatment of young children will mainly use therapeutic tools such as art therapy or animal therapy.
