From Discord to Distress: Exploring Parental Conflict and its Toll on Dutch Children's Well-being After Divorce.

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of divorce on children's well-being in the Netherlands, focusing on the differences between contested and uncontested divorces, as well as the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the attachment theory and the risk-and-resilience perspective, we examined how divorce affects children across multiple levels and which perspective holds within the Dutch setting. Data analysis (n=7520) revealed that divorce generally has a negative impact on children's well-being, with contested divorces exacerbating these effects compared to uncontested divorces. This aligns with the attachment theory, stating that the villainization within divorce leads to higher chances of insecure attachment (Ainsworth et al., 1978; Bowlby, 1982; Starr et al., 2014). This leads to higher chances of internalizing or externalizing problematic behaviour. Some resilience was observed within the divorced group but did not outweigh the traumatic impact, as described by the risk-and- resilience perspective (van der Wal et al., 2019). In conclusion, attachment theory stands most prominently within the Dutch setting, but some resilience, following the risk-and-resilience perspective, is noticeable. The findings underscore the importance of considering the timing and nature of divorce when assessing its impact on children's well-being. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced additional stressors and disruptions, further compromising the well-being of children from divorced families. Gender differences, girls reporting higher impact of divorce, were also observed in response to divorce, highlighting the need for gender-specific support strategies. Future research should explore underlying mechanisms driving gender differences and develop tailored interventions to address the specific needs of children affected by divorce. This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex interplay between divorce, children's well-being, societal factors, and the perspectives in the Dutch setting, emphasizing the importance of supportive family environments and policy interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of divorce on children.