Patterns of psychological adaptation to divorce after a long-term marriage

TitlePatterns of psychological adaptation to divorce after a long-term marriage
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsPerrig-Chiello, P, Hutchison, S, Morselli, D
JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships
Volume32
Issue3
Pagination386-405
Date Published05/2015
Keywordsdivorce, long-term marriage, personality, psychological adaptation, resilience, vulnerability
Abstract

Despite the increase in divorces after a long relationship, this trend remains a neglected research topic. The present contribution seeks to identify patterns of psychological adaptation to divorce after a long-term marriage. Data from a questionnaire study with 308 persons aged 45–65 years, who divorced after having been married for an average of 25 years, are presented. Exploratory latent profile analysis with various well-being outcomes revealed five groups: one with average adapted, one with resilients, and three small groups with seriously affected individuals. Discriminant variables between the groups were personality, time since separation, a new relationship, and financial situation. Age, gender, and length of marriage played a marginal role; satisfaction with the former marriage and initiator status were not relevant.

DOI10.1177/0265407514533769
Refereed DesignationRefereed