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Protecting What You Value Most

Common reasons for divorce

by | Oct 31, 2021 |

While only a few recent studies have explored the most common reasons for divorce, reviewing the available research provides insight for married couples who want to go the distance. Understanding the causes can help you strengthen your own relationship.

The journal Couple and Family Psychology reported on these circumstances that frequently end in divorce.

Infidelity and lack of commitment

Among the surveyed divorced couples in the study, the most common major contributors reported for divorce were lack of commitment to the marriage and infidelity on the part of one or both partners. In addition, the researchers asked couples about the “final straw” that caused the divorce. Infidelity was the most common answer in this category.

A 2003 study published in the Journal of Family Issues asked participants to self-report reasons for divorce. Infidelity was the most common response, cited among nearly 22% of respondents. In a statewide study of divorced Oklahoma residents conducted by Oklahoma State University, 85% cited lack of commitment as the reason for the divorce and 58% said the marriage ended because of an affair.

Communication issues

Researchers referenced a 2012 study published by the Journal of Divorce and Remarriage. Participants in this study reported that the most common reasons for divorce were difficulty communicating with one another, cited by 53%, and growing apart, cited by 55%. In the Journal of Family Issues study, more than 19% of respondents said they divorced because of incompatibility.

While some couples can work through these issues, others decide to end their marriages. Contact Travers & Travers by email or via phone at 281-492-2166 for a family law consultation if you are considering divorce.