Health Risk Threatens Children of Divorced Parents

25th January 2025

2 minutes read

Health Risk Threatens Children of Divorced Parents

A new study has revealed that children growing up with divorced parents are at a higher risk of suffering from strokes later in life. This increased risk stems from the negative environment and constant exposure to toxic situations caused by ongoing disputes and conflicts between parents.

The study, published in the Hindustan Times, emphasized that divorce has long-term effects on children’s overall health, alongside the psychological and emotional challenges they face.

Led by Esme Fuller-Thomson from the University of Toronto, the study examined data from more than 13,000 adults aged 65 and older.

The results showed that individuals whose parents divorced before they turned 18 had a 60% higher chance of experiencing a stroke compared to those who grew up in intact families.

Furthermore, parental divorce as a risk factor is as significant as diabetes. “It is deeply concerning that older adults who grew up in divorced families have a 60% higher likelihood of stroke, even after excluding those who suffered physical or sexual abuse during childhood,” stated Esme Fuller-Thomson.

The study also found that the link between parental divorce and stroke risk was comparable to established stroke risk factors such as diabetes.

Divorce creates a disruptive and volatile environment, leading to high levels of stress. The stress caused by family fragmentation and impending separation can be profoundly harmful, directly impacting the body’s stress response, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a key role in stress regulation. Research has shown that disruptions to this axis are linked to an increased risk of stroke.

Additionally, children from divorced families may face other health issues such as high blood pressure and sleep disorders, further increasing their likelihood of stroke in the future.

Studies highlight a clear connection between growing up in a divorced family and its long-term health implications in adulthood. This underscores the importance of prioritizing children’s well-being during such times, ensuring that their welfare remains a top priority in divorce cases to mitigate the long-term consequences of trauma.