In a world where access to information is as easy as typing a few search terms into your smartphone, it is rather surprising that so much misinformation about divorce continues to circulate. Some of the misconceptions may be attributed to long-held beliefs that can be difficult to change while others were once true but are not anymore. For example, you may have heard one or more of the following.
Divorce Myth #1: Half of Marriages End in Divorce
This common statement is not an accurate depiction of the actual divorce rate in the United States. It comes from a flawed comparison of the per capita rate of marriages and divorces in a particular year. Comparing the number of marriages against the number of divorces for any given year will result in skewed data. For example, some of the divorces that occur this year involve marriages that began 30, 40, or even 50 years prior—in other words, more than two generations ago. The actual divorce rate is closer to 40 percent than 50 percent, and it is markedly lower among younger couples.
Divorce Myth #2: Divorce Is Bad for Children
Many couples make the mistake of “staying together for the children.” Research has repeatedly shown that doing so is often not in the best interests of the child. If a couple stays together but is often fighting, arguing, or giving each other the silent treatment, this can be very psychologically damaging to the child. If the atmosphere in the home is tense and unloving, a divorce may actually help the child to thrive. Children are very resilient, and if they are given love and guidance, studies suggest that it does not matter if that love comes from two separate households.
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