Researchers find lack of love, trust given as divorce reasons

Researchers who surveyed more than 2,300 divorced people say that emotional and not behavioral issues dominate the top reasons that people give for splitting up. Instead of marriages ending because of addiction or violence, researchers found that people separated because they no longer respected their spouses or grew apart. In an paper that appeared in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, researchers said their findings suggested that ideas about marriage are shifting and that people in Missouri and around the country are more willing to divorce if they are emotionally unfulfilled.

The top reason given by participants was that one or both of them no longer loved the other. In second place was a failure of communication, which has been extensively studied as a driver of divorce. Next came a lack of trust or respect. Some participants said there had been a breach of trust that could not be repaired. In fourth place, people said they had simply grown apart and no longer shared values or goals.

Few of the participants, 16%, said their divorce was sought by mutual agreement, with 44% saying they had initiated it and 40% saying their spouse had. More of the divorces were described as being low or no conflict than high conflict.

Even divorces with little conflict can have their stumbling blocks, and people should make certain they are not setting aside their own interests in order to keep the process harmonious. While people generally prefer to avoid litigation, it is also important for individuals to protect themselves financially during the divorce. If the couple has a prenuptial agreement, the divorce may move along more quickly. However, even with a prenup, it is important that the interests of both individuals are protected. If this does not seem to be the case, the prenup could be set aside.