Factors Associated with DivorceResearch shows that there are 4 main factors that increase the likelihood of divorceA. Divorce caused by age at marriage1. As age at marriage decreases, the likelihood of divorce increases: couples under the age of 18 are much more likely to divorce than couples who marry at a later age2. Younger couples are: - Unprepared for marriage - Unaware of what is expected of them - Not mature enough to handle responsibilities3. Disadvantages- The younger you are, the less dating experience you have had- You are not sure what you truly value in a partner- Being young they may become bored and prefer a new marriage over their current one- Young couples have little reason not to get divorced- It may have married without parental permission, then the divorce could be supported by the family. - They probably have no property together4. Getting married due to pregnancy - Having a child before or at the beginning of the marriage - Gives the couple little time to adjust to each other and the demands of the marriage - May limit the parents' educational and professional goals - Increases tension financial statement on the relationshipB. Race1. Studies show that African Americans have higher divorce rates than whites or Latinos. African Americans are also much more likely to remain in “separated” status. Their greater likelihood of being unemployed and living in poverty contributes to marital disintegration2. African American women are: - Less likely to marry - More likely to separate or divorce - Less likely to remarry On average, African American women spend only about half the time in marriage that white women do. Socioeconomic status1. Lower socioeconomic strata of society: - Lower levels of education, Lower incomes, Lower status occupations - Higher rates of marital instability Poor families are twice as likely to separate as non-poor families. - Married couples of lower status may have higher divorce rates because