The Effects of Family Structure and Family Transitions on Children

Family Stability

• Family stability is a key factor relating to child development. Because a child̵7;s stability is at risk when the family structure disintegrates, he is more susceptible to feelings of insecurity, often having long-term effects, even into adulthood. Divorce, especially, causes children to have negative experiences at a much earlier age, such as premature sexual activity, early exit from the home and pregnancy. Marriage at an earlier age increases the risk of divorce in their own lives due to their lack of social and emotional maturity, along with possible economic struggles and lack of family support.

Psychological Impediments

• Unstable family life may affect a parent̵7;s ability to be a good parent. Divorce or separation may adversely alter economic resources and social outlets, creating depression, which may hinder good parenting. The parent̵7;s mental health is important to childhood development. Mothers in non-traditional relationships are depressed more often than mothers in traditional marriages, according to a Princeton and Columbia study. The quality of parenting may be impaired in unstable relationships, such as those experiencing divorce or separation, creating anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem and resentment. As a result, the parent may not offer children the intangible nurturing they need, such as affection and quality time. However, children in unstable settings develop just as well as children in stable environments when mothers are psychologically able to cushion their children from the stresses of the unstable relationship.

Economic Resources

• Non-traditional families -- single parent and cohabiting parents -- are often less financially secure than traditional families. In cases of divorced parents, only about one-third of absentee fathers pay child support, according to findings in the Princeton and Columbia study, making it difficult to provide the essentials for the child. Parents in traditional relationships are usually better educated and have more financial resources than parents in cohabiting relationships. Economic hardships may adversely impact children̵7;s well-being, affecting everything from the food they eat to the neighborhood in which they live. However, according to New Zealand's Ministry for Social Development, a lack of economic privilege is not necessarily the main reason for children̵7;s negative outcomes, such as pregnancy and aggressive behavior.

Parental Relationships

• Conflict between parents, especially after they are separated, may damage the child̵7;s sense of well-being. If the conflict is physically abusive or the child feels threatened, he is more likely to have adjustment problems and suffer more damaging consequences. Even infants' developmental processes are affected when parental conflict is ongoing, and the relentless emotional turmoil may stunt their psychological growth, according to Jennifer McIntosh, Child and Family Psychologist. Infants can react to parental distress as early as a few weeks of age.