Abstract
The long-term effects of parental divorce on individuals' mental health after the transition to adulthood are examined using data from a British birth cohort that has been followed from birth to age 33. Growth-curve models and fixed-effects models are estimated. The results suggest that part of the negative effect of parental divorce on adults is a result of factors that were present before the parents' marriages dissolved. The results also suggest, however, a negative effect of divorce and its aftermath on adult mental health. Moreover, a parental divorce during childhood or adolescence continues to have a negative effect when a person is in his or her twenties and early thirties.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 239-249 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | American Sociological Review |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1998 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science