Final answer:
Researchers interested in the psychological effects of divorce should primarily focus on the exposure to conflict between parents, as it has a direct impact on the emotional well-being of the family members, particularly children.
Step-by-step explanation:
Researchers focused on the psychological effects of divorce need to examine factors that directly impact the mental and emotional well-being of individuals undergoing the divorce process. Unlike studies that only look at the rates of divorce, these researchers are more interested in the qualitative aspects of divorce such as the exposure to parental conflict. Divorce rates themselves are influenced by various macro-level factors, but for understanding the psychological impact, factors like exposure to conflict between parents are of crucial importance since they directly correlate with the emotional stress experienced by children and other family members.
Additionally, when studying the psychological effects of divorce, it's essential to understand the dynamic of individual family units, including the presence or absence of extended family relationships and the contrasting discipline techniques encountered in blended families. These can exert stress and affect mental health. Overall, the emotional outcomes of divorce for children and adults depend greatly on the household environment and the relationships within it rather than societal or global trends such as birth rates or cultural beliefs.