4 Ways in Which People Navigate Divorce

Divorce is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It can come about in various ways in a marriage. Sometimes there is intense conflict, while in some cases, the couple simply drifts apart.

Each marriage and divorce is different. Studies show that there are four types of people who seek divorce. They navigate divorce and try to save their marriage in different ways. Here’s a look at them and what they do.

Intense Seekers

In the study, 6% of the participants were intense seekers. They work hard to save their marriage through professional therapy, self-help books, and personal growth. These people had an average age of 36 and were highly educated.

Despite their commitment to saving their marriage, they faced challenges such as infidelity, substance abuse, and mental health struggles. They also experienced the highest divorce rates. This is likely because while they had hope in their marriage, their spouses were not always on the same page and wanted to divorce.

Moderate-Fading Seekers

This group accounted for about 14% of study participants. Initially, they participated in moderate levels of relationship repair, such as reading advice and seeking professional help. However, many were left with unresolved issues once they stopped trying.

The opposite of intense seekers, this group was the least educated. More than 40% had a high school degree or less. While problems like abuse or infidelity are common, this group is actually the least likely to divorce due to religion and cultural factors. About 25% had thought about divorce a lot, and 19% said they really did not want a divorce.

Minimal-Private Seekers

This was the largest group, comprising 42% of the study’s participants. This group likes to keep their marital struggles private, so they rarely seek professional help. Instead, they focus on their own efforts such as having discussions with their spouses.

Minimal-private seekers rarely have severe issues but when they do, they are unlikely to confront them, leading to a stagnant marriage. They lack connection and fulfillment. Only 35% were glad they were still married, so the lack of effort often leads to separation.

Private-Sustained Seekers

This is the second-largest group. Private-sustained seekers accounted for 38% of participants. While they prefer privacy, they are consistent in their actions to save their marriages. They are dedicated to addressing relationship problems on their own through private efforts. In fact, this group demonstrated the highest levels of personal repair behaviors. They worked to resolve issues through discussions and self-help activities like looking for relationship advice in self-help books and websites. Fewer than 30% sought couples therapy.

This group was very committed to staying together. But while they were least likely to say they wanted a divorce, they ended up with the second-highest divorce rates a year later.

Seek Legal Help

Divorce is different for everyone. Some try very hard, while others call it quits early on.

Do you want to fix your marriage or start anew? Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you understand your options. A better life awaits. Schedule a consultation by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.

Source:

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-instincts/202501/the-4-kinds-of-divorce-seekers