Likelihood of Divorce Decreases the More Siblings You Have

Today, in USA Today, an interesting article was published regarding a study about the correlation between the number of siblings you have and the likelihood of divorce.  The study was conducted at Ohio State University and found that individuals who have more than 1 or 2 siblings are less likely to divorce than those who are single children or those who only have 1 or 2 siblings. Even more interesting is the study’s finding that each sibling over 2 reduces the likelihood of divorce by 2%.

Obviously, this study represents only one factor in what goes into reasons for divorce, but one reason more siblings may reduce the chances for divorce is that such individuals are forced to deal with multiple individuals and who have different personalities making such individuals more patient and accepting.  Additionally, individuals with multiple siblings develop better socially according to the study’s authors.

Other reasons divorce may be less likely for such individuals is that families with many children may be more family oriented.  They may subscribe to religious beliefs which discourage divorce.  The parents of such families may have stronger marital ties.  There can be a million different reasons why the results of this study came back as they did and it is far from conclusive, but it does raise for an interesting discussion.

This study may make only children wonder about their marriages, but other studies have shown no real difference between the social abilities of only children and children with siblings.  Nonetheless, the study does seem to provide some support to explain at least one factor relevant in determining why divorce rates were lower in decades past.

Ultimately when it comes down to it, divorce is not caused by one single factor.  A lot goes into it. You may be dealing with divorce in your life.  Whatever the reason for your divorce we can help.  Call our Utah family law attorneys at 801.618.1331 for a free consultation.

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