Final answer:
Research suggests that divorce can have negative effects on children's well-being, depending on their age and specific circumstances. Divorce can be difficult for school-aged children and can also have different effects on boys and girls based on their living arrangements. The long-term satisfaction of individuals after divorce varies and can be influenced by various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research suggests that the statement that children do not suffer any negative psychological responses to the divorce of their parents (option a) is not accurate. Divorce can have various negative effects on children's well-being, depending on their age and the specific circumstances of the divorce.
Children's ability to cope with divorce may depend on their age. School-aged children may find it most difficult as they are old enough to understand the separation but not old enough to understand the reasons behind it. Older teenagers may still feel fear, loneliness, guilt, and pressure to choose sides, while infants and preschool-age children may suffer from the loss of routine that marriage offers (Temke 2006).
Additionally, divorce can have different effects on boys and girls depending on their living arrangements. Boys who have joint arrangements with their fathers tend to show less aggression, while girls who have joint arrangements with their mothers tend to be more responsible and mature. It is important to note that the majority of children from divorced parents live in households headed by their mothers (U.S. Census Bureau 2011b).
In the long term, the statement that people tend to be just as satisfied with their lives after several years of divorce as married people (option d) is not universally applicable. While some individuals may adjust well after divorce, others may still experience negative impacts. Divorce can be a stressful and challenging experience for all involved parties.