A comprehensive new report claims to have pinpointed the key signs that a couple might be heading for a divorce or relationship breakdown.
Business Insider magazine has compiled a series of recent studies from all around the world conducted by social scientists, think tanks and academics – and it claims to have identified the dos and don’ts of marriage.
Firstly, a 14-year study carried out by psychologists at the University of California-Berkley suggests that there are four key relationship behaviours which can all-too-often lead to divorce.
These are: contempt, criticism, defensiveness and ‘stonewalling’ – all of which psychologists believe are a recipe for disaster when it comes to trying to make a difficult relationship work.
Meanwhile, Australian research from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), suggests that the age a couple first decides to tie the knot can also have a significant impact on the likelihood that they will eventually divorce.
It argues that “for almost everyone, the late twenties seems to be the best time to tie the knot” – a view reiterated by separate research carried out by the University of Utah, which recently found that couples who marry during their teens or in their mid-30s or more likely to separate than those who marry in their 20s.
Other studies from around the world suggest that negativity, ‘withdrawing’ from arguments and being ‘overly affectionate’ as newlyweds can all have dire consequences for once-happy marriages in long-term.
Here in the UK, up-to-date research from HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) suggests that divorce is on the rise.
106,959 opposite-sex couples divorced in 2016 – a 5.8 per cent rise on figures recorded the previous year.
Commentators have voiced concerns that, for the first time since 2009, divorce appears to be growing increasingly common all across the country.
MFG Solicitors’ family team can advise on divorce, separation and related financial disputes, as well as all other aspects of family law. For more information about how we could help you, please contact us.
Comments