The impact of divorce on children varies as much as the circumstances leading to the divorce itself. Even in the best situations, divorce causes anxiety and stress to all family members involved. Children may especially view this change as a crisis, undermining their stability, security and well-being. It is difficult enough for adults to deal with the issues of divorce, let alone a child who does not yet have the emotional maturity to address their feelings.
The challenges and adjustments of this transitional period may result in unresolved anger, hurt, blame, distrust, acting out behaviors, immature behaviors, and feelings of abandonment. Behavioral changes as varied as acting out, extreme expressions of anger to withdrawal and depression are common. Often there are additional adjustments to be made when parents remarry and step families become part of the family system.
Successful treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, blended family therapy or even multi-family therapy. The focus of therapy must be to address the unspoken hurts and needs of all involved as well as the more obvious issues of the adjustments necessitated by the divorce and changing family structures.
The challenges and adjustments of this transitional period may result in unresolved anger, hurt, blame, distrust, acting out behaviors, immature behaviors, and feelings of abandonment. Behavioral changes as varied as acting out, extreme expressions of anger to withdrawal and depression are common. Often there are additional adjustments to be made when parents remarry and step families become part of the family system.
Successful treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, blended family therapy or even multi-family therapy. The focus of therapy must be to address the unspoken hurts and needs of all involved as well as the more obvious issues of the adjustments necessitated by the divorce and changing family structures.