Adjusting to divorce : why do men have it easier ?

Abstract

Consistent with previous research, the present study of 45 divorced parents with joint or sole custody of their school-age children revealed that men were better adjusted than women in the three years after divorce. They also were better off financially, had more stable and satisfying jobs, and had experienced less psychological stress and more psychological satisfaction in the previous months. These factors were related to better adjustment for both men and women. In addition, men who were better adjusted spent more hours at work and had children who were better adjusted; women who were better adjusted were more likely to own or rent their home alone rather than with their ex-spouse, had moved away after the separation or divorce, and felt that they had received more social support from their friends and family after the divorce.