Research on 62,000 preschoolers finds emotional, physical, and learning setbacks
A groundbreaking study published in BMJ Pediatrics Open sheds new light on the developmental toll of divorce among young children. Drawing on data from over 62,000 children aged 3 to 5, researchers found that children of divorced parents were more likely to show developmental slowdowns across several domains.
Using the Human Capability Index, which measures progress across nine areas — including reading, communication, persistence, emotional and social skills, and physical health — the study showed that children from divorced families scored consistently lower than peers raised in intact households.
The most pronounced impacts were observed in:
- social and emotional skills,
- physical health,
- and reading ability.
Moderate effects appeared in communication, persistence, and numeracy, while writing and learning skills were less affected.
While not every child experiences setbacks, the findings position divorce as a significant developmental risk factor. Experts emphasize the importance of early interventions, consistent routines, and open communication to help children adjust to family transitions.
Crucially, the study underscores the need for public policies that support families through separation, ensuring that divorce remains a private decision — not a pathway to long-term disadvantage for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.
