Patrick Wanis PhD is a featured Relationship and Human Behavior Expert for The National Association of Divorce for Women and Children.
Baby Boomers and Divorce: National poll reveals finance is the greatest challenge and problem
A first-of-its-kind national poll reveals how divorced boomers are holding up.
To determine if a consensus exists about how divorced baby boomers are holding up, a National Poll on Divorce was conducted by the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children and the Baby Boomer [Knowledge Center].
Participants in the poll were asked three fundamental questions about the divorce process, the relationship with their “former” spouse and inevitability the affects of divorce has on the dynamics of the family.
- What was the most challenging part of getting a divorce: custody of the children, dividing the assets or finances?
- What life skills would have been helpful when going through your divorce: stress management, coping skills and/or communication skills?
- What is your relationship now with your former spouse: amicable, have learned to tolerate each other for the sake of the children or can’t be in the same room together and do not speak to each other?
Results:
- Of the people participating in the poll, it was not surprising to see the majority (41%) report that dealing with the finances was the most challenging part of getting a divorce. Second most challenging was the dividing of the assets at 19% and a pleasant surprise was the custody of the children being the lowest percentage at 13%.
- The majority of the participants (41%) report that coping skills would have been a helpful life skill during their divorce. Stress management was 28% with communication skills a close third at 26%. This shows how divorce really is an emotional roller coaster ride.
- Even though the results revealed that 55% of the participants reported have an amicable relationship with their former spouse after their divorce, the comments did not coincide with that high percentage (see respondent testimonials below). Participants reported that 15% cannot be in the same room with their former spouse and do not speak to each other, and only 4% reported they have learned to tolerate each other for the sake of the children. “Other” came in at a high 19%.
Even though the % showed finances were the most challenging part of getting a divorce, the comments revealed more about the sadness and embarrassment of divorce such as “tearing apart the family,” “becoming a single mom,” “telling my friends I was divorced,” “realizing that I had failed,” “learning to be on my own and not growing old with my husband.”
Although the majority of respondents stated they had amicable relationships with their former spouse, many of the comments were far more negative, such as “no relationship as we hardly speak,” “nonexistent,” “never see or speak to him,” “only e-mail,” “no contact,” “over-not part of my future,” and “not involved in each other’s lives at all.”
Methodology
During the month May 2009 the poll was available to both men and women baby boomers on National Association of Divorce for Women and Children and the Baby Boomer [Knowledge Center]™. To achieve maximum participation the poll was also published on: Menopauserus.com, WrightMinded.com, Wise Heart Coaching, Cyber Hot Flash, the National Association of Baby Boomer Women, Kalon Women, and over 30 experts from the National Association of Divorce for Women and Children. A total of 1,876 people responded to the poll. To achieve maximum candor for respondent participation and comments, all responses were anonymous.
About National Association of Divorce for Women and Children
Thewww.NADWC.org is a 24/7 on-line Resource Center to support, encourage and inspire women going through a life-changing experience such as divorce who want to rejuvenate their own lives and the lives of their children.
About Baby Boomer [Knowledge Center]™
Baby Boomer [Knowledge Center]™ is an information destination where you can explore new frontiers for living in a world that offers daily fresh challenges, choices and opportunities. Our mission is to connect Baby Boomers to high-value content in real time – no matter how specialized or specific – as quickly as possible. (https://BabyBoomerKnowledgeCenter.com)
Notice:
This poll may be reproduced in its entirety or in part with the appropriate attribution and acknowledgments.
© Copyright, 2009 – National Association of Divorce for Women and Children, Baby Boomer [Knowledge Center]™
Anointed “The Woman Expert” by WGN Chicago, Patrick Wanis PhD is a renowned Celebrity Life Coach, Human Behavior & Relationship Expert who developed SRTT therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique) and is teaching it to other practitioners. Wanis’ clientele ranges from celebrities and CEOs to housewives and teenagers. CNN, BBC, FOX News, MSNBC & major news outlets worldwide consult Wanis for his expert insights and analysis on sexuality, human behavior and women’s issues. Wanis is the first person ever to do hypnotherapy on national TV – on the Montel Williams show.