Final answer:
Adolescents may experience positive effects from divorce when it leads to decreased conflict and when strong parent-child relationships are maintained or improved. The proximity to parents after divorce, particularly through joint custody arrangements, can be beneficial. Positive outcomes are more likely in environments that meet the emotional and developmental needs of adolescents post-divorce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effects of divorce on an adolescent can be positive if the environment post-divorce leads to reduced conflict and strengthened parent-child relationships. For teenagers, the appraisal of their parental bonds takes precedence and can be a significant factor in their holistic development.
During adolescence, the formation of identity becomes a central task, with peers assuming an essential role, yet a warm and nurturing relationship with parents remains linked to favorable outcomes, such as academic success and fewer behavioral issues at school. It's worth noting that proximity to parents can greatly enhance the well-being of children post-divorce, with joint arrangements potentially leading to lower levels of aggression in boys and increased responsibility in girls.
However, the majority of divorces arise from low-conflict homes, where children may experience more harm from the divorce itself than the disharmony within the marriage. This is contrasted with children from high-conflict homes who may benefit from the decrease in tension following a divorce. In essence, positive effects are more likely to manifest in homes where the post-divorce environment addresses the specific emotional and developmental needs of the adolescent.