ABSTRACT
Does divorce typically produce clinically significant problems in children? This paper reports the results of a study of a non-clinical sample of children of divorce using criteria to assess clinically significant levels of problems in school age children. Data gathered 0–4 months after divorce filing (at least 12 months after separation in North Carolina) from 86 families with 112 children aged 7–12 were compared to data from normal reference groups. Results showed that divorced and normal school age children were comparable in anxiety, self-esteem, school adjustment and behavior, and family environment. Only parent-reported home behavior problems differed from that for normal comparison groups. Children with clinically significant levels of behavior problems were less likely to have regular visitation and were more likely to have parents in conflict about child rearing. A small group of children with multiple problems appears to be at risk. The results suggest children may adapt to divorce much better than some studies suggest.
