However, a major new study has now revealed that the timing of a split could affect the mental health of children caught up in divorces, by looking at data related to 6,000 children in the UK. It is believed to be the first to demonstrate links between divorce timing and childhood emotional issues, and as such is a crucial piece of research.
The Millennium Cohort Study
The study was carried out by the Institute of Education at University College London (UCL). Researchers from the Centre of Longitudinal Studies carried out the Millennium Cohort Study, which followed the lives of 6,000 UK children who were born at the turn of the century. A number of different data sets were looked at, but one of the main findings related to children’s experiences when their parents separated.
The researchers analysed reports of behavioural and emotional problems in children at ages 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14. They correlated these reports on children’s mental health with other factors such as whether their parents had divorced. Crucially, they also looked at when the divorce happened, and whether the age of the child made a difference to their mental health as they grew up.
Divorce in late childhood found to affect mental health
Around 20% of the children in the study experienced the divorce of their parents at some point between the ages of 3 and 14 years old. What researchers discovered is that there was a significant difference in the effect on the mental health of the child when divorce happened later on in the child’s life.
Children whose parents separated when they were in later childhood, between the ages of 7 and 14, were more likely to experience mental health problems. The findings for this group of children showed:
- A 16% rise in emotional problems in the short term
- An 8% increase in behavioural issues in the short term
- Heightened behavioural issues in boys
- Children from more privileged backgrounds were just as likely to experience mental health problems after their parents divorced.
The group of children whose parents broke up when they were between 3 and 7 years old were found to be no more likely to experience short or long-term mental health issues.
Why is this the case?
One possible reason why 3 to 7 year olds are more emotionally affected by divorce is that, according to the co-author of the study, Professor Emla Fitzsimons:
“Children are more sensitive to relationship dynamics at this age. Family break-ups may also be more disruptive to schooling and peer relationships at this stage of childhood.”
For help from an expert in family law, please don’t hesitate to call Liverpool divorce solicitors Tracey Miller Family Law on 0151 515 3036. We care about your family and can help you find the best resolution for everyone’s wellbeing.