Divorce: A Potential Gateway to Positive Child Development

Abstract

Nevada has the highest divorce rate in the nation (Appendix, Table 4). Research has shown that divorce has both short-term and long-term detrimental effects on the children involved, including psychological well-being, physical health, behavioral problems, and decreased academic potential, including an increased likelihood of dropping out of school (Amato & Keith, 1991a). Along with having the highest divorce rate in the nation, Nevada holds the second lowest high school graduation rate in the nation (Combs & Butterworth, 2012). A few other states in the nation have implemented mandatory and voluntary education programs for children that have proven to reduce the negative consequences of divorce on children. Nevada has previously implemented mandatory education programs for divorcing parents (in Clark County), but there is no similar mandate for the children. In the interest of protecting the children of Nevada, Nevada needs to implement mandatory programs to help children through the emotional battlefield of their parents’ divorces.