Divorce Process

While marriage can be a significant source of satisfaction and happiness for couples who do not experience problems in their relationship, for some couples it brings many negative outcomes. Research has shown that maintaining an unhappy marriage is negatively associated with overall happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and general health (Hawkins, 2005).

Divorce is based on the idea that individuals who cannot adapt to each other due to differences in personality, socio-cultural values, habits, and reactions—and who experience social or occupational problems or develop physical and psychological complaints while together—may become healthier if they live separately.

When both the divorce process and the post-divorce period are examined, it is seen that the majority of women and men describe the entire divorce process as a difficult period characterized by emotional and psychological challenges, intense feelings of anger, frequent need for support, and difficulties in preparing for and adapting to the requirements of divorce.

The most common reasons for the breakdown of marriage include financial problems, socio-cultural differences between spouses, sexual problems, lack of communication, infidelity by one partner, domestic violence, decreased interest between partners, excessive interference from families, dependency on families, and large age differences. In addition, early marriages, arranged marriages under family pressure, psychiatric problems, substance abuse, alcohol use, and gambling addiction are also among the factors that increase the risk of divorce.

Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions in the lives of married couples. However, depending on the severity and depth of the problems experienced, it can sometimes be the healthiest decision a couple can make. What is important is that couples are aware of whether they are making the right decision, do not regret their choice, and know that they have tried all possible solutions. Seeking support from a professional can be beneficial in helping couples go through this process with minimal harm.

References:

Aktaş, Ö. (2011). Boşanma Nedenleri ve Boşanma Sonrasında Karşılaşılan Güçlükler. Dokuz Eylül University, Master’s Thesis.

Hawkins, D. N. (2005). Unhappily ever after: Effects of long term, low quality marriages on well-being. Social Forces.

Şen, B. (2013). Boşanma Süreci ve Arabuluculuğu. Hacettepe University, Master’s Thesis.