Why Do Couples Divorce?

Over half of all marriages end in divorce, and the divorce rate is steadily climbing So many people wonder what is the root cause of divorce. Divorce is not a simple issue, emotionally or legally, but there are some common reasons why couples divorce.

Infidelity

Infidelity is the cause of many divorces. Although it is usually a symptom of other problems in a marriage, the effects can be long-lasting, and some spouses who've been cheated on find it too difficult to bounce back after an affair.

Infidelity creates a number of problems: broken trust; risk of sexually transmitted diseases; wondering whether the cheating spouse will be able to change; worry about whether the cheating spouse will leave the marriage for the other person; embarrassment; guilt; anger.

Emotional Disconnect

Over time, couples can become emotionally disconnected if they're not actively trying to fulfill each others emotional needs. For some couples, this disconnect has always been present, mainly because they're not in a compatible marriage. Individuals in these unions are more worried about their own best interests, rather than what is best for the marriage.

There are things that can be done to repair emotional disconnection in a marriage, but it takes time and effort from both partners. If only one spouse is making an effort and investment in saving the marriage, the situation will likely lead to divorce.

Traumatic Incidents

Sometimes, things happen that are so traumatic in the lives of a married couple that they are overwhelmed and consumed by the situation. Their marriage suffers as a result, and they end up divorcing. Examples of such incidents include miscarriage, untimely death of a parent or child, and one partner becoming severely injured or disfigured in an accident.

Couples who experience such traumatic events should seek counseling or therapy, either separately or together, to deal with their feelings before they manifest themselves into the marriage.

Trust Issues

When there is no trust, it is hard to keep a marriage strong or even to keep it going. Trust issues can be caused by infidelity or one partner hiding secrets, such as credit or financial troubles, from the other.

Emotional Affairs

Emotional affairs are similar to physical infidelity, except an emotional affair is more likely to result in one partner deciding to leave the marriage for another person. When a spouse is having sex with another person, they may still want to keep their family intact if possible. But when the connection outside the marriage is emotional, people begin to question why they're married in the first place, since they've fallen in love with someone else.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a cause of divorce, and it is very easy to understand why--when one spouse physically harms the other, trust becomes broken, fear takes over the abused spouse, and one begins to wonder what else the abuser is capable of. When physical abuse leads to divorce, it is common for the abused spouse to file for a protective order along with the divorce petition.

References

• Common Causes of Divorce
• Reasons Couples Divorce