Study Finds Contentious Divorce Can Increase Risk of Illness for Children

 Posted on June 08, 2017 in Divorce

For decades, experts assumed that divorce, in and of itself, increased the risk of complications for young children. Now there are studies emerging, showing that it is not actually divorce, but contention, a common but negative byproduct of the emotional process. In fact, one new study recently determined children were at an increased risk for certain illnesses if they witnessed an emotionally traumatizing split. In light of this new information, parents may want to do all they can to achieve an amicable divorce. Learn more with help from the following information.

Illness and Contentious Divorce

Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study looked at the frequency of illness in 201 adults. Some had parents who had remained together during childhood and others had parents who had separated or divorced. Those with parents who had divorced and not communicated afterward were found to have a higher risk of immune system issues. More specifically, these individuals were three times more likely to develop a cold than those that had parents who had divorced but remained in contact or had never divorced.

Understanding Why the Link Exists

Although the study did have some limitations, and no direct correlation between contentious divorce and illness was found, it does echo the findings of other studies. Stress has been repeatedly linked to adverse health in children and adults, and researchers believe that it was the prolonged exposure to stress that may have increased the risk of illness for participants with divorced, non-communicative parents.

Pursuing an Amicable Divorce

Because there may be a link between the long-term stress of a contentious divorce and an increased risk of illness, parents may want to do all they can to ensure an amicable divorce. While this is not always an easy task, there are some strategies that you can use to improve your chances. For example, you can:

• Seek mediation instead over litigated divorce,
• Have your attorney handle the divorce-related matters,
• Limit necessary conversations to pertinent child-related matters,
• Use email to coordinate schedules,
• Place mutually agreed upon time limits on phone conversations, and
• Focus on the best interests of your child above all else.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Attorneys

At Stock, Carlson & Asso. LLC, we recognize just how important it is to protect your child's future and best interests. Dedicated and experienced, our DuPage County divorce lawyers will work hard to develop a creative parenting plan that can hopefully satisfy all involved parties. Schedule your free initial consultation to get started. Call 630-665-2500.

Source:

http://www.newsweek.com/divorce-kids-parents-sickness-common-cold-621895