An empirical investigation of emotional reactions to divorce

J Clin Psychol. 1980 Jan;36(1):105-10. doi: 10.1002/1097-4679(198001)36:1<105::aid-jclp2270360107>3.0.co;2-c.

Abstract

Administered three personality tests to four groups (N = 74): (1) individuals who subjectively defined their marriages as good; (2) individuals who were undergoing marriage counseling; (3) individuals who had filed for divorce, but had not yet been to court; and (4) individuals who had been divorced between 6 and 12 months. These groups were selected to represent the various stages of the divorce process and thus constituted a cross-sectional design. Results indicated intensified feelings of depression, anxiety, and hostility as one entered marriage counseling. These feelings were maintained through the period of attaining the divorce; however, by the sixth to twelfth month after the divorce most of these negative feelings had disappeared.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Anxiety, Separation / psychology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Divorce*
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Hostility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personality Inventory