ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the extent and possible consequences of beliefs and discusses how often divorce occurs and the extent to which the experiences of offspring of divorce differ. In addition to influencing our thoughts about others who may have experienced parental divorce, the cultural beliefs may also influence how offspring of divorce think of themselves. In addition to the belief that all outcomes of divorce are negative, another common idea that should be challenged is that parental divorce will create stress only for children who are living at home. The offsprings' beliefs may also affect their own reactions to their parents' divorce. Society apparently considered divorce so undesirable that it was only allowed when a marital partner had exhibited some grievous fault such as alcoholism or infidelity. The divorce rate for second marriages depends, in part, upon whether there are minor children from previous marriages.
