Discussion

Factors that may cause a marriage to fail include physical abuse, financial problems, infidelity, lack of intimacy between the spouses, and drug or substance addiction more so alcoholism (Mata et al., 2018). In regards to physical abuse, a spouse who is subjected to physical violence from the other has a much greater chance of experiencing problems in their relationship. Financial problems are often experienced within families; some couples may confront financial difficulties due to unemployment or health issues (Mata et al., 2018). Sometimes it can be difficult for couples with different levels of income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle together. Infidelity is a common factor for divorce, and it is among the leading causes for divorce. Lastly, drug and substance addiction lead to a number of problems: they can cause health issues, unemployment, or bankruptcy. Drug addiction may lead to domestic violence and other crimes which could also result in separation from their partner.

Studies have also shown that premarital factors can also influence a marriage to end. Some of the premarital factors that may contribute to later divorce include gender, age, cohabitation and education (Carlson, Daire & Hipp, 2020). In regards to gender studies have shown that women are more likely than men to experience divorce. There are many reasons for this gender differences, such as financial concerns, infidelity and religious beliefs. In relation to age the older couples are the greater chance they have of divorcing because the chance of having extramarital affairs increases with age. Cohabitation has also been linked with a higher probability of experiencing divorce. This is significant since premarital cohabitation poses similar issues as marriage does; however, it is more common to break off a relationship during cohabitation instead of marriage.

Marital factors associated with higher likelihood of divorce include differences in religious beliefs and financial statuses; however, the specific reasons are still not known (Carlson, Daire & Hipp, 2020).

References

Carlson, R. G., Daire, A. P., & Hipp, C. J. (2020). Education, Enrichment Programs, and Premarital Counseling. The Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy with Couples, 3, 51. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=k6jbDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA51&dq=premarital+Factors+that+influence+divorce+&ots=Cj35EsxXWp&sig=-K4b7MWXrGwT6wLKUhuXRB_a_sYMata, J., Richter, D., Schneider, T., & Hertwig, R. (2018). How cohabitation, marriage, separation, and divorce influence BMI: A prospective panel study. Health Psychology, 37(10), 948. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-46854-007