High Divorce Rates

LEarn more about why divorce rates are so high.. Continue reading to find out more.

• Early marriage increases the likelihood of divorce, particularly during the early years of marriage.
  Reduced education. According to research, those with at least some college education (vs. those who only completed high school) have a lower risk of divorce.
  Income is reduced. Maintaining a modest income can assist couples in avoiding the stress that can result in divorce.
• Cohabitation prior to marriage. Couples who cohabit prior to marriage appear to have a greater likelihood of divorce, but this is mostly true for those who have cohabited with multiple partners. While it is widely believed that living together prior to marriage allows couples to get to know one another better, research indicates that those who live together prior to marriage have already developed a degree of leniency toward divorce. This leniency toward divorce is what contributes to the couple’s high risk status. However, these findings are not without caveats. Couples who become engaged and then move in together are no longer at a high risk of future divorce, according to research. Their dedication to marriage reduces the likelihood of a future divorce.
• Premarital pregnancy and childbearing. Prior to marriage, childbearing and pregnancy significantly increase the likelihood of future divorce.
• There are no religious affiliations. According to researchers, those with religious affiliations are less likely to divorce than those who do not belong to any religious group.
• Divorce of parents. Unfortunately, witnessing your parents’ divorce doubles your risk of divorce. Additionally, if your spouse has witnessed their parents’ divorce, your risk of divorce triples. This does not mean you are predisposed to divorce; rather, it means you should be more aware of marriage trends and work harder to ensure a successful marriage.