You're more likely to divorce if your parents did THIS

Intergenerational Transmission of Divorce

Having divorced parents is associated with a higher likelihood of divorce, but it does not determine a person’s future. One study cited found a higher divorce risk for women whose parents divorced in 17 of 18 countries.

The association appears to have weakened over time. An older estimate put the risk at twice as high, while more recent studies cited put it at about 1.2 times as high.

Possible explanations include inherited personality traits or conflict patterns, marrying at a younger age, economic strain, and fewer opportunities to observe healthy communication. The explanation with the strongest support in the video is that children of divorced parents may develop more negative attitudes toward marriage, feel less committed to it, or see divorce as an easier option when problems arise.

Research is not consistent on every proposed explanation. The presenter emphasizes that divorce risk is shaped by many factors—not simply by a parent’s divorce.

Strategies for Adult Children of Divorced Parents

• Avoid rushing into marriage. Take time to assess whether a relationship is a good fit.
• Build relationship skills, including communication, empathy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Take commitment seriously without assuming every troubled relationship must be preserved. Commitment does not mean staying in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
• Watch for extremes. Don’t assume marriage is doomed, but don’t idealize a relationship as a way to “correct” your parents’ divorce.
• Make decisions about marriage based on the relationship and partner in front of you, rather than on fear or assumptions inherited from your family.

Strategies for Divorced or Divorcing Parents

• Model healthy relationship skills, whether you are co-parenting, single, or in a new relationship.
• Explain the reasons for divorce in an age-appropriate way so children don’t conclude that the marriage ended over something trivial.
• Co-parent with as little conflict and animosity as possible.
• Provide children with economic, social, and emotional stability; stay present and involved.
• Talk about what makes a healthy partner and relationship.
• If you form a happier relationship after divorce, let children see that a more compatible partnership is possible.

Additional Information

The video briefly promotes the Paired couples app, which offers prompts, check-ins, quizzes, and activities to help partners communicate and maintain connection.

Presenter and Sources

• Presenter: Dr. Ana Yudin, Psychology with Dr. Ana
• Sources referenced: John Gottman; a 2008 study of 43,000 marriages across 18 countries; a 2004 study; and other research on divorce and relationships.