Studies Suggest Women May Fare Better Emotionally after a Divorce

 Posted on June 29, 2016 in Divorce

Divorce is a mentally, financially, and emotionally complicated process for all involved. However, there are studies that suggest women may bounce back faster from divorce. Gender roles, social influence, and feelings about independence are all thought to be factors in their resiliency, but the extent of their impact is unclear. Further, there may be other, unknown contributing factors. Whatever the reasons, it would appear that women have more to gain from divorce, at least on the happiness front.

Women Have Fewer Regrets

Although both parties play a role in both the dissolution of a marriage, a national study found that 73 percent of women have no regrets about ending an unhappy marriage. This was compared to just 61 percent of men with no regrets. Women were also found to value happiness, success, and even loneliness over the idea of staying in a marriage that made them miserable. In contrast, only a little more than half of all men (58 percent) reported similar feelings. Furthermore, women were said to be less afraid of independence than men.

Men Gain More Weight Than Women after Divorce

Sociology researchers from Ohio State University spent more than 20 years studying the dietary habits and weight gain of 10,071 men and women after divorce. According to their results, men over 30 gained more weight in the two years following their divorce than women of the same age group. Men were also found to have less varied diets after a divorce, which possibly contributed to their higher increase in body mass index. This, too, suggests that women are faring better emotionally after the divorce.

Why Do Women Do Better Emotionally?

Relationship experts say that, even though both parties play a role in the breakdown of a marriage, gender roles and social influence may provide a sort of protective balm for women. For example, women may refuse to accept some of the blame (particularly blame that is not their own) because it is seen as a lack of self-empowerment to do so. In contrast, men may feel it is emasculating to blame their wives, which may cause them to accept added blame for the failure of the relationship. Regardless of the reason, the evidence should serve as a source of encouragement for women who may be considering a divorce, but are uncertain of whether or not they should move forward.

Skilled Legal Assistance for Your Divorce

If you are planning on filing for divorce, the experienced DuPage County divorce lawyers at Pesce Law Group, P.C. can provide you with skilled legal assistance. Committed to your best interest, we take the time to understand the details o your case and ensure your rights are protected, every step of the way. We respond to your needs and wishes with compassion, empathy, and attentive care. Our lawyers offer divorce and family law representation to clients in Naperville, Oak Brook, and Lake Forest. Call 630-352-2240 to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.essence.com/2016/06/14/women-move-on-fasterr-after-divorce

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700173920/Study-Men-gain-weight-after-divorce-women-after-marriage.html?pg=all