Final answer:
The assertion is mostly true, as research shows children from lower-conflict homes suffer more from the divorce process than from marital unhappiness, and stepfamilies do not necessarily reduce stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that children suffer as much from marital conflict as from divorce can be considered mostly true. Research indicates that while marital conflict is not ideal for child rearing, the process of divorce itself poses significant risks to children's well-being. Particularly, children may feel confused and frightened, potentially assuming responsibility for the separation. They might engage in behaviors aimed at reuniting their parents, often at the expense of their own welfare. However, in the context of high-conflict homes, it has been observed that children may indeed benefit from the reduced tension post-divorce.
Yet, the majority of divorces arise from lower-conflict homes, where children negatively perceive the stress of divorce more intensely than the general disharmony between their parents. Additionally, entering into a stepfamily does not necessarily alleviate these stress levels, as such family structures may introduce further interpersonal conflicts, despite potential economic benefits. Therefore, in general, it is important to acknowledge the substantial impact marital discord and divorce have on children, with the potential of causing lasting psychological and emotional effects.