Marriage is one of the most difficult relationships to maintain, and often requires a great deal of effort from both spouses. Couples are sure to encounter a number of stressors throughout a marriage that can impact their relationship in a negative way. The following are examples of stressful life events that could contribute to divorce.
Common Stressors that can Affect a Marriage
- Sickness: When one spouse becomes seriously ill, it can alter the dynamics of a relationship. In general, men have a hard time taking on the role of caregiver and taking over a wife’s responsibilities. A study from Iowa State University found that the divorce rate is six percent higher among couples in which a wife is seriously ill. Conversely, study findings reveal that the divorce rate does not increase when a husband is ill.
- Work: In a recent study conducted at Ohio State University, researchers discovered that unemployed men are more likely to initiate a separation from their wives than working men are. Researchers also found that wives are more likely to leave husbands who are not employed. Moreover, a new job can also cause stress within a marriage.
- Children: Having children is a normal life stressor that can create discord in a martial relationship. A study confirmed that 67% of couples experience unhappiness with their relationship in the first three years after the birth of a child. To reduce marital stress while adjusting to new roles as mother and father, it is crucial for first time parents to maintain open communication and patience.
Furthermore, when a couple become “empty nesters” this can also have an effect on the marital relationship. Statistics show that today, more adults ages 50 and older are divorced than widowed. This may be due to the fact that many couples choose not to address their marital problems until their children have grown up and left the house.
- Living Apart: Sometimes it is necessary for couples to live apart due to work and family obligations. Every couple has their own feelings about temporarily living apart from each other, but this can often cause a strain on the marriage. A 2013 study of military families found a direct correlation between the risk of divorce and the amount of time military service members were deployed. Service men and women often face many challenges when returning home, which can take a toll on their relationships.
- Traumatic Events: When a couple experiences a trauma, the event can either draw them closer as a couple or pull them apart. Some individuals may feel the need to let go of any attachment that reminds them of their loss or traumatic experience.
Open and honest communication are essential to maintain a healthy marriage. It is vital for individuals in a marriage to ask each other for help when they need it, and seek resolutions to problems before they become intolerable.
Bel Air Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Provide Legal Counsel for Divorcing Couples
Bel Air divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC treat all clients with compassion and empathy. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to protect you, your children, and your future in a divorce. Contact us online or call 443-589-0150 to schedule a confidential consultation with a reputable Bel Air divorce lawyer. We represent clients throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Towson, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster and Essex.
