It is important to consider family functioning variables and control for them in any analysis of the effects of divorce. As another tipster also pointed out, you need similarly functioning or matched non-divorced families as a control group. Mavis Hetherington probably does the best science on divorce and has shown that the qualitative relationship variables, as well as child age and gender at time of divorce moderate any effects. Divorce, per se, seems to have little effect if relationships are strong and positive and children are not exposed to conflict or used as pawns. But in certain cases, there are elevated behavior problems in boys, depending on age at time of divorce and parents' remarrying status. Same with adolescent girls. It seems that remarrying while your daughter is going through puberty is not a good idea. -- Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Psychology Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway Lexington, KY 40508 (606) 233-8144 FAX (606) 233-8797
