Reasons for Divorce and Mental Health Following the Breakup

This study pursued two questions: Why do people in Israel divorce, and what factors contribute to their mental health afterward? To answer these questions, we gave out a questionnaire assessing reasons for divorce to 56 Jewish Israeli couples 2 years after their breakup. The questionnaire yielded three clusters of explanations for divorce: an extramarital affair, problems inherent in the couple's relationship, and factors external to the couple's relationship. The assessment of factors contributing to mental health included reasons for the divorce, divorcées' emotional resources, factors within the divorce process, and demographic factors. Findings showed that mental health was poorer among individuals who were older, less educated, had an avoidant or anxious attachment style, feared intimacy, or perceived new relationships as threats.