The findings of a new study from Ohio State University show that those who grow up in large families have a lower likelihood of divorce than those who have no siblings. This isn’t the first study to analyze the relationship of divorce and siblings, but this one used data from the General Social Survey.
That survey consisted of 40 years’ worth of data, collected from 57,000 adults between 1972 and 2012. The adults were interviewed 28 times and they were from all over the U.S. According to an assistant professor of sociology and a co-author of the study, the study showed how the addition of a sibling to a family can change the family’s dynamics. In other words, as a family grows, a sibling learns how to deal better with others. This, in turn, makes them better able to deal with a marital relationship.
The study authors say they found that the likelihood a person will get divorced is reduced by 2 percent for each sibling they have – up to as many as seven siblings. A professor of sociology said there is a measurable difference in the number of people without siblings who get divorced compared to the number of people with siblings who get divorced.
As far as the other studies that deal with siblings and divorce? Another new study found that teens who had full siblings had a much lower chance of experimenting with sex and drugs before the age of 15 than those who had half-siblings with a different father.
If you are considering a divorce and want more information on child custody, child support, alimony or property division, contact a Colorado divorce attorney. Your attorney can advise you as to your options and ensure your rights are protected.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, “Divorce Study Shows That People With More Siblings Are Less Likely To Divorce” Bridget Mallon, Aug. 13, 2013