Enduring Effects of Marital Disruption and Subsequent Living Arrangements

Abstract

This research examines the enduring effects of marital disruption and the subsequent living arrangements upon adolescents. A large national sample of adults (N = 8224) is examined to compare those living in each of eight types of disrupted families when they were 16 years old with a comparable group who were living with both biological parents at this age. Measures of interpersonal trust and confidence, anomie, and general satisfaction with aspects of life are studied using multiple regression techniques to ascertain whether such items reveal consistent and regular effects associated with family disruption. Controls are introduced to remove the effects of a wide range of extraneous influences. Results indicate that living arrangements following family disruptions vary in their effects. Most adults from disrupted families do not differ appreciably from those who were living with both natural parents at 16. Those effects that are noted, however, are positive, suggesting that under certain circumstances a family disruption and its associated stress may be turned to an individual's advantage over time.

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