On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Friday, May 3, 2013.
There are plenty of spouses in Illinois who are having serious problems in their marriage, yet believe it is somehow healthier to stay together than it is to split up. In some cases these couples have children together and do not want to break-up the family. In other cases, spouses are just afraid of what the future would look like.
Of course all of these concerns are valid and totally natural to worry about when contemplating divorce. But the truth is that single people tend to be happier than those in unhealthy relationships. In fact, a recent study led by psychiatrist Dr. Alan Teo found that those who are in relationships with partners who are not supportive or are critical are more likely to be depressed than those in non-marriage like relationships.
The study asked 4,642 adults between the ages of 25 and 75 questions regarding their relationships, such as how supportive they viewed their partners and how critical their partners were of them.
These questions were first asked in 1990s and then again ten years later. From these questions it was determined that it is the quality, not the quantity of the relationship that truly matters.
For those spouses in Illinois who are either unhappy in their marriages — or have already filed for divorce — this study is proof that it is better to be alone than in a relationship with someone who not supportive and critical.
In terms of relationships were children are involved, parents should keep in mind that children thrive in loving and supportive environments, not in ones where parents are not supportive and unhappy with each other. Additionally, remember that an attorney with experience handling family law issues can help work toward fair custodial and visitation rights for both parents.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Relationship Study Finds Link Between Depression And Unsupportive Spouses,” May 2, 2013
