Divorce and Children
A massive, long-term study following thousands of children over more than a decade reveals some interesting lasting impacts of divorce. This Fact Sheet is taken from a June 2025 Colson Center Daily Breakpoint story of this study.
“According to Bailey, we now have convincing evidence that “the negative outcomes associated with divorce are not merely from underlying household issues, but from the act of separation itself.” The authors of the study added, “The magnitude of the effects … underscores how divorce can dramatically reshape children’s outcomes” and does so potentially for life.”
Proven Ways to Prevent Divorce
Most Hoosiers know that divorce grew dramatically following the widespread adoption of no-fault divorce laws in the 1970s. Divorce rates are still very high, particularly for remarriages, and the harms of divorce are well-documented. But there is also a good deal of research on what makes marriages work. This fact sheet lists some things couples can do to prevent divorce.
“Relationships between men and women tend to go through phases that are predictable. Successful couples recognize these changes and react (invest) in a positive way which strengthens the marriage.”
Parenting Styles and Mental Health
Can the parents’ views of family and marriage play a role in the positive mental health outcomes of their children? This AFA-IN Fact Sheet looks at a study using a large amount of data from Gallup Polling and other places to find differences in children’s mental health.
“Parents who think highly of marriage exhibit better parenting practices and have higher quality relationships with their teens.”
America’s Disappearing Dads
There is a mountain of research on the impact of disengaged or fatherless homes. This two-page Fact Sheet is from one of AFA-IN’s weekly emails addressing Father’s Day and the importance of dads. It contains a good amount of research on fatherlessness in America.
“Historically, poverty has stemmed primarily from fathers being unemployed or underpaid. Today, fatherlessness has become the single largest determinant of child poverty. Today, 92% of children on welfare are from either single-parent or divorced homes, whereas the vast majority of children raised in a married home will never be poor.”
