Divorce and Child Behavior Problems: Applying Latent Change Score Models to Life Event Data

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Family Studies
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Parental divorce is a significant life event impacting child adjustment.
• Previous research often overlooks the nuances of divorce timing and child's gender.
• Advances in statistical modeling allow for more precise analysis of developmental trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal effects of parental divorce on children's externalizing behavior problems.
• To differentiate the impact of divorce from child's age and gender using advanced trajectory modeling.
• To examine how the timing of parental divorce influences boys' and girls' behavioral development.

Main Methods:

• Latent change score models were employed to analyze developmental trajectories.
• Data included 356 children assessed annually from kindergarten entry through Grade 9.
• Mothers reported parental divorce/separation, and teachers reported externalizing behavior problems.

Main Results:

• Girls' externalizing behavior trajectories were not significantly affected by parental divorce, irrespective of timing.
• Boys divorcing in elementary school showed increased externalizing behaviors post-divorce.
• Boys divorcing in middle school exhibited a temporary increase followed by a decrease in externalizing behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Parental divorce differentially affects boys' and girls' behavioral adjustment trajectories.
• The timing of parental divorce is a critical factor in understanding its impact on boys' behavior.
• Latent change score modeling provides valuable insights into complex developmental pathways following parental divorce.