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A recent CBS New York article, entitled “New Study Says Divorce Can Be Contagious” discusses a study done by Brown University that shows that the divorce of a friend can increase your chances of getting divorced.
The study found that 75% of the participants were more likely to get a divorce if a friend or family member was divorced. Surprisingly, even 33% of participants were found to be more likely to get a divorce even if a friend of a friend got divorced.
It is inconclusive whether it is divorce that is contagious, or the emotions that are contagious. Researchers call this occurrence “social contagion.” Social contagion is the phenomenon where certain attitudes and behaviors spread amongst friends, family, and social networks. If you are around someone who is unhappy in their marriage, it may tend to make you more critical of your own relationship.
The authors advise readers to be careful to try not to associate your friends or family members’ situations with your own. They caution readers to try to be realistic and aware that some connections you may make between your situations and your divorced friends’ could be imaginary.
The study results showed that three degrees of separation with someone who is divorced, a friend of a friend of a friend, likely will have no impact on your likelihood of getting divorced.
If you are considering filing for divorce or want to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced Long Island divorce attorney to discuss your options, please contact the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg.
Call (516) 491-0565 or toll free at (888) 543-4867