A recent report published by the University College London has found that the timing of a couple separating can have a significant effect on their child’s mental well-being.
The research showed that children who experience their parent’s separation during later childhood (seven to 14 years old) were more likely to exhibit behavioural and emotional issues than if they went through the same experience at an earlier age.
University College London Research
The research examined over 6,000 UK children, born in 2000 and their mental health at the ages of three, five, seven, 11 and 14.
The statistics showed that minors who had experienced their parent’s break-up between the ages of seven and 14 were more prone to display behavioural problems, such as anxiety or depression, than children, of the same age, whose parents remained together.
On the other hand, for children between three and seven years old whose parents separated there was no difference in the number of children who displayed behavioural or emotional issues to those of the same age whose parents remained together.
Thus, the research shows that children who go through the trauma of seeing their parents break up at an earlier age of childhood are less likely to suffer mental trauma than if they go through the same experience in later childhood. The researchers believe that the reason for this is that children aged seven to 14 years old are more emotionally sensitive to the world around them and the experiences that they encounter. They are also more likely to notice negative feelings between two people, such as their parents.
Professor Emla Fitzsimons, from the Institute of Education at University College London, commented:
“Family splits occurring in late, but not early, childhood are detrimental to adolescent mental health. One possible reason for this is that children are more sensitive to relationship dynamics at this age.”
How can Nelsons help?
Whilst it can be an extremely traumatising experience for a child to suffer their parent’s separation, it can be just as harmful to a child when parents are constantly arguing to remain together for the sake of their child. Sometimes, it is better for the child for their parents to separate than stay together, as the relationship could deteriorate further. This is especially the case if there are instances of domestic abuse in the relationship.
For more information or if you need help through the divorce process, please contact a member of our Family Law team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.