How many couples survive losing a child?

How many couples survive losing a child?

In a 2006 study commissioned by The Compassionate Friends, parental divorce following the death of a child was found to be around 16\%. The findings were consistent with an earlier study conducted by the group that showed equally low divorce rates among bereaved parents.

Why do couples divorce after a child dies?

A sudden death can have parents mourning the loss of their child’s life, their potential, and their future. Experts note that the loss can lead to difficulties in marital functioning, and some studies indicate that divorce among bereaved parents is common.

What percentage of married couples get divorced after losing a child?

The Compassionate Friends, an organization that supports bereaved parents, conducted a study in 2006 showing that the divorce rate among couples that suffered the loss of a child is about 16\%.

Does grief cause divorce?

After the loss of a child, many bereaved couples can experience serious marital difficulties within months following the death of a child. The divorce rate among bereaved couples has been the subject of controversy after Harriet Schiff published a book illustrating that 75 percent of such parents eventually divorce.

Is it harder to lose a child or a spouse?

Apparently, when this objective measure is applied to a large sample of people, losing a partner may be harder than losing a child, at least according to this study. Unfortunately, the researchers had no information on circumstances of the losses, such as ages of those who died, so that isn’t considered.

How to stay together after the death of a child?

After a child’s death, most couples worry that it will be very hard to stay together. Even if they do, they often worry about whether they will be able to have a good marital relationship. If either of you is worried about your marital future, it may help to say to each other that you have those worries. Then resolve to stay together.

What happens to a marriage when a child dies?

Many have experienced first the death of their child, then the dissolution of their marriage. Other couples may agree that unity can grow though grief. But they also know that it takes commitment, time and strategy to push through the valley of death with a stronger marriage on the other side. Where does a couple begin?

Is it hard for couples to get back together after bereavement?

In bereavement, the couple journey will be hard. But it does not have to end in disaster. After a child’s death, most couples worry that it will be very hard to stay together. Even if they do, they often worry about whether they will be able to have a good marital relationship.

How long does grief last after a parent dies?

There is a prolonged sense of loss for many years and it is not unusual for it to last sometimes even as long as 20 years. It is believed that the average grief stage for the death of a spouse is two years, but it is four to five years for the death of a child.