While there are many factors that play into this very high divorce rate in America; one of the prevalent causes seems to be explained through conflict behavior theory. Conflict behavior theory describes the human reaction that happens as a result of the interaction between two or more people in which there is a contrast in views. This theory assumes behavior can be show in one of three ways: destructive, …show more content…
The study discussed in the article showed that in 124 newlywed couples, their marital outcome over a 6 year period could be predicted using a Specific Affect Coding System (Carrere). This experiment carried on for about six years in which there were follow ups. The outcome of this study showed that this prediction of divorce improved as the conversations continued, and that in women, the prediction continued over the remainder of the conversation as within the first 3 minutes. Over the course of this study, there ended up being 17 divorces (Carrere). This article was great because it described how powerful of an effect communication can have on a marriage. While there are many factors that can play a role in bringing conflict into a relationship, this article showed that the manner in which these factors were discussed could truly make or break a …show more content…
While it was to the common agreement that in the early stages of divorce, the outcomes were generally negative, certain angles on divorce were not being looked at and overall the long term effects were not looked at significantly enough (Gray). What was found was that depending on the way the divorce took place, and how the couple took the separation, a divorce could take place with a lower negative impact on an individual’s mental and physical health. However the study did look at the long term effects on a divorce where stresses of the divorce caused negative effects such as the loss of support networks, continuing conflict with the ex-spouse, losing contact with children, decline in living standards and even moving homes (Gray). Another negative impact can come from loss of social status which can lead to negative effects on the happiness and wellbeing of an individual (Gray) This article was very well written and showed that while not all divorces are negative (for example, leaving an abusive relationship), if not handled well, the long term effects of divorce can cause great strain on an individual