Scientists have known for some time that women are more likely than men to initiate a divorce, but a new study is shedding light on why. In decades past, experts believed that women were simply more sensitive to relationship issues and feel issues are more significant than men do. However, the new study by a Stanford University associate professor has shown that the statistics of women being more likely to end the relationship only holds true for marriage.
The study looked at both married and unmarried heterosexual couples, and some of the unmarried couples were cohabitating. According to the study, 69 percent of divorces were initiated by women, but when the couples were not married, the breakup was initiated equally be either sex. Initial data from those in the survey indicates that one reason for this is that women are less satisfied with marriage than men, but the author of the study reported that more research would be needed to find patterns that may be behind the differences.
While there may be some main contributing factors in divorces, every couple has a unique set of circumstances that had brought them to the point of separating. In some cases, there may be very significant issues that are easy to identify, such as one spouse’s infidelity, but in other cases, it may be a combination of many smaller issues that end up with a couple realizing it’s time to part ways.
When this happens, it’s important to fully understand your options and possible outcomes before taking any action. A family law attorney can help ensure you enter into the divorce proceedings well-informed and well-prepared.
Source: LiveScience, “Women Are More Likely to Initiate Divorce, But Not Dating Breakups,” Laura Geggel, Aug. 22, 2015