More siblings: lower risk of divorce?

Researchers continue to study divorce to see why couples get divorced and who is most at risk for getting divorced in the future. In their effort to see what may lead to divorce, a new study suggests that the number of siblings may impact a person’s risk of divorce.

The study by researchers at Ohio State University found that individuals who have more siblings are less likely to file for divorce. The researchers said that the risk of divorce decreased by two percent for every sibling a person has, up to seven siblings.

The study also said that people who are only-children were less likely to get married and more likely to get divorced in the U.S.

Why would children with more siblings be less likely to divorce. The study suggested that individuals who grow up with more siblings develop more social skills. They also said that children from larger families may be able to handle conflicts better as well as have more family cohesiveness compared to kids from smaller families or with no siblings.

The study’s findings are interesting but other researchers may not be so sure about the findings. Children in today’s society are able to develop many social skills regardless of coming from large families or not.

Divorce can be a complicated and difficult decision to make. Individuals thinking about getting divorce should understand the implications it will have on their life, including their finances, living arrangements and future goals.

Filing for divorce can be complex and there are many factors to consider during the divorce process, especially when their is marital property and assets to divide. Individuals getting divorced should contact a divorce attorney to discuss their specific issues.

Source: Mercator Net, “More siblings means less divorce risk,” Nicole M. King, Aug. 17, 2013