Divorce Paper

Nevarez 1
Dulce Nevarez
Jessica Madinger
Interpersonal Communication SP 200 O
30 June 2024
Divorce
Divorce is a multifaceted and emotionally taxing process that affects not only the couple
but also their children, family, and social circles. Understanding the stages of divorce and their
impacts on relationships is very important when navigating this stressful transition. This paper
explores the stages of divorce and how they affect relationships.
Divorce typically unfolds in several stages, each marked by distinct emotional and
psychological states. Robert Taibbi, L.C.S.W., outlines these stages in his article on Psychology
Today. The first stage, shock, involves a profound sense of disbelief and numbness. For the
person who wanted the divorce, there might be a sense of relief, while the other, might feel like
they have just taken a blow to the stomach (Taibbi).
Following the initial shock, the second stage, often called the "three-week blur," begins.
During this period, both partners start to process their new realities. The person who left might
feel liberated and optimistic, whereas the person who was left often struggles with feelings of
loss and confusion. This stage usually consists of a mix of denial and slowly emerging
acceptance as the couple begins to navigate the practical aspects of their separation (Taibbi).
Nevarez 2
By three months in, some routine returns to daily life. The person who was left starts to
regain a sense of normalcy, while the person who left may face loneliness if not engaged in new
relationships or activities. This is when both parties involved start dealing with the logistics of
separation, such as moving out and dividing assets, which can be emotionally draining and
stressful (Taibbi).
Six months to one year into the divorce process, legal proceedings and custody battles get
intense. Families and friends often take sides, and new partners might enter the scene, which
tends to complicate relationships even more. This stage sets the tone for future interactions,
particularly if children are involved. Effective communication and a commitment to minimizing
conflict are essential during this time (Taibbi).
At the one-year mark, the emotional issues start to settle. They adjust to their new lives,
and children adapt to the new family dynamics. This often involves reflecting on the past and
accepting all the changes. It's a time for rebuilding and finding a new normal (Taibbi).
Two years out, a new chapter begins. Partners may have new long-term relationships, and
while the pain of divorce lessens, reflections on the past continue to influence their present lives.
This stage is about moving forward and creating a fulfilling life post-divorce (Taibbi).
Divorce significantly impacts relationships, especially those of children and family
members. According to Amy Morin in her article on Psychology Today, children of divorced
parents often face emotional and psychological challenges. They might struggle with trust issues
in future relationships, fearing abandonment and instability. Parents must provide stability and
reassurance to help their children navigate these challenges (Morin).

Nevarez 3
Co-parenting is another critical aspect of post-divorce relationships. Divorced couples
must navigate co-parenting, which can be fraught with conflict but is crucial for the well-being
of their children. Effective co-parenting involves clear communication and a commitment to
minimizing the emotional impact on children. Parents must work together to provide a stable and
supportive environment (Morin).
Divorce also affects social circles. Friends and extended family members often find
themselves caught in the middle. Relationships with mutual friends may become strained, and
extended family dynamics can be altered permanently. Divorced individuals need to build new
support networks and maintain healthy boundaries with their ex-partners' families and friends
(Modern Family Law).
Long-term psychological impacts of divorce on children can extend well into adulthood,
affecting their self-esteem, academic performance, and future relationships. According to
research, children from divorced families may exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression
compared to their peers from intact families. This underscores the importance of robust support
systems, including counseling, peer support groups, and stable home environments. Engaging in
open communication and providing consistent emotional support can mitigate some of these
negative effects, helping children build resilience and healthier relationships in the future.
Understanding the stages of divorce and its effects on relationships can help those going
through it to navigate the emotional and practical challenges more effectively. While the journey
is arduous, recognizing the patterns and seeking support can lead to healthier post-divorce
relationships for all involved. By acknowledging the emotional and psychological impacts of
Nevarez 4
divorce, individuals can better prepare themselves and their loved ones for the transition,
ultimately leading to healing and growth (Survive Divorce).

Nevarez 5
Works Cited
Taibbi, Robert. “6 Stages of Separation or Divorce.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 11

Mar. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fixing-families/202303/6-stages-of-
separation-or-divorce.
Stolzenberg, Jeff. “From Shock to Acceptance: Unpacking the Five Stages of Divorce.” Modern
Family Law, 27 Mar. 2024, www.modernfamilylaw.com/resources/from-shock-to-
acceptance-unpacking-the-five-stages-of-divorce/#:~:text=By%20understanding%20the
%20five%20stages,awareness%20and%20compassion%20for%20themselves.
Crowley, Jason. “6 Psychological and Emotional Stages of Divorce.” Survive Divorce, Survive
Divorce, 10 July 2022, www.survivedivorce.com/psychological-stages-divorce.
Cullen, Katherine. “How Divorce Can Affect Children’s Future Relationships.” Psychology
Today, Sussex Publishers, 16 Mar. 2021, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truth-
about-exercise-addiction/202103/how-divorce-can-affect-childrens-future-relationships.

Divorce Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Divorce Paper

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Divorce Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Nevarez 1

Interpersonal Communication SP 200 O

explores the stages of divorce and how they affect relationships.

they have just taken a blow to the stomach (Taibbi).

particularly if children are involved. Effective communication and a commitment to minimizing

conflict are essential during this time (Taibbi).

Divorce significantly impacts relationships, especially those of children and family

reassurance to help their children navigate these challenges (Morin).

Co-parenting is another critical aspect of post-divorce relationships. Divorced couples

of their children. Effective co-parenting involves clear communication and a commitment to

supportive environment (Morin).

(Modern Family Law).

affecting their self-esteem, academic performance, and future relationships. According to

ultimately leading to healing and growth (Survive Divorce).

Taibbi, Robert. “6 Stages of Separation or Divorce.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 11

You might also like