GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DIVORCE ADJUSTMENT

Gender differences in divorce adjustment were investigated. It was concluded that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that males report less stress prior to the decision to divorce than do females, and that females fare better after separation and divorce than do males. It is argued that measures of divorce adjustment are either direct or indirect measures of self-esteem, and that gender differences in self-esteem exist prior to divorce and therefore account for gender differences in adjustment after divorce. It is further suggested that gender differences in the moderators of divorce adjustment (i.e., in attachment, initiation of divorce, and degree of social support) are related to gender roles and serve to reinforce gender differences in adjustment to divorce. © 1991 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.