Family Studies ch 15: Separation and Divorce

Question 1

Separation: Processand Outcome

Answer 1

There are several types of separation.
trial separation
more permanent arrangement.
legal separation.

Question 2

The Phases of Separation

Answer 2

Separation is usually a long and painful process that has four phases:
Preseparation
Early separation
Middle separation 
Late separation

10% of couples who have separated do reconcile.

Question 3

Separation and Divorce

Answer 3

Divorce has been around as long as marriage has been around.
Trends in Divorce
Over a lifetime between 43 to 46% of marriages end in divorce.
Divorce rates have actually been decreasing throughout the 20th century.
Divorce rates are lower today than they were between 1975 and 1990.

Question 4

The Process of Divorce

Answer 4

Emotional divorce
Legal divorce
Economic divorce
Community divorce
Psychic divorce

Question 5

Why do people divorce?

Answer 5

People divorce for three interrelated reasons:

1. macro-level or social reasons
2. demographic variables
3. micro-level or interpersonal reasons

Question 6

Same sex divorce

Answer 6

we know little about same-sex divorce in US

similar patterns found in studies done in other countries

Question 7

How divorce affects adults

Answer 7

Devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects

Question 8

Economic and financial changes

Answer 8

Marriage builds wealth while divorce depletes it.
Alimony
Gender
Age

Question 9

Child Custody

Answer 9

Custody is a court-mandated ruling as to which divorced parent will have the primary responsibility for the welfare and upbringing of the children
Sole custody
Split custody
Joint custody
Co-custody

Question 10

Child support

Answer 10

Child support is usually a critical issue.
Because mothers get sole custody in 84% of cases, most court-ordered child support is paid by fathers.
Nearly half of all men neither see nor support their children.
The number of noncustodial fathers who saw their children did rise from 18% in 1976 to 31% in 2002.
A parent is most likely to receive full child support payments if she or he has at least a college degree, has divorced (rather than breaking up outside of marriage), and the noncustodial parent has current contact with the children and is over 40 years of age.

Question 11

Child support and visitation

Answer 11

In 2006, 85% of mothers who received child support also had visitation arrangements with the child’s father.

Question 12

How divorce affects children

Answer 12

Nearly 1 million American children undergo a parental breakup before reaching adulthood.
It is always stressful for adults, but for children it is often a defining event in their lives.

Question 13

what helps children after a divorce?

Answer 13

The children who experience the least negative effects are those who receive support from friends, neighbors, and schools.
Parents can reassure the children that they are loved and supported by both parents.
Parents should talk about their feelings because doing so sets the stage for open communication.They should emphasize that the children are not responsible for the problems.
They should reassure the children that they will continue to see extended family.
They should maintain an ongoing relationship with the children.
They should encourage children to talk about their feelings and experiences freely.

Question 14

Positive Outcomes

Answer 14

Less parental fighting can cause less stress for children.
Earlier parental separation is better for children in the long run than in growing up in an intact family where there is continuous conflict.

Question 15

Counseling and Divorce mediation

Answer 15

Counseling and divorce mediation are alternatives to the traditional adversarial approach that is typical of legal processes.