Final answer:
Children's reactions to divorce vary based on age, gender, and custody arrangements, with school-aged children and infants being the most affected. Boys and girls may respond differently depending on their living arrangements with parents post-divorce, and the quality of the parent-child relationship greatly affects a child's adjustment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impacts of divorce on children can vary based on several factors, including the child's gender, age, and the custody arrangements post-divorce. Research suggests that school-aged children may find divorce most difficult as they understand the separation but not the reasons behind it. However, older teenagers might recognize the conflict leading to divorce but could still experience fear, loneliness, and guilt. Infants and preschool-aged children are heavily impacted by the loss of routine that comes with divorce.
When considering gender, proximity to parents plays a crucial role. Boys living with or in joint arrangements with their fathers might show less aggression, while girls in similar arrangements with their mothers tend to be more responsible. Nevertheless, the parent-child relationship's quality is fundamental in a child's adjustment to divorce.
It should be noted that children of divorced parents are more likely to experience divorce themselves. Divorce has been observed to have a cyclical pattern, with children who have divorced parents more prone to divorcing in their adult life. Ultimately, the assertion that divorce impacts all children similarly is an oversimplification; each child's experience with divorce is unique and influenced by specific circumstances.