Issues, Etc. A New Study on the Effects of Divorce on Children – Dr. Brad Wilcox, 7/7/25 (1883)
Jul 7, 2025
Dr. Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor and director of the National Marriage Project, dives into the impacts of divorce on children. He discusses a major study revealing how divorce can lead to emotional challenges and lower household income for kids. Wilcox emphasizes the importance of stable family structures, noting how family instability affects not only individuals but society as a whole. He advocates for public policies that support marriage and effective communication in relationships to help strengthen families and improve outcomes for future generations.
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Divorce Elevates Child Struggles
- Divorce significantly increases the likelihood of children struggling in life, even though most turn out fine.
- A large study with over 5 million U.S. children confirms these elevated risks tied to parental divorce.
Divorce Slashes Family Income
- Household income drops by more than half after divorce, severely impacting children's basic needs and activities.
- This economic decline is a major factor explaining post-divorce hardships for children.
Divorce Links to Teen Birth & Mortality
- Teen birth rates nearly double for girls after their parents' divorce compared to before.
- Child mortality also sees a sharp increase post-divorce, highlighting serious health risks for children.
