This is why your chance of getting divorced could be down to your DNA
Does your married life seem to be mimicking your parents'?
Are you a divorcee from a family of divorcees? Turns out this could be more than just a coincidence.
New research has suggested that there’s more at play than just leading similar lives when it comes to divorce in families.
If your marriage ended in a break up in the same way your parents’ did, their genetics could be to thank.
While experts used to believe that learned behaviour from our relatives with failed relationships contributed to the failing of our own, new research has found that inherited traits are they key to a short lived marriage. Now it is thought it's a combination of genetics and learned psychology.
READ MORE:Study reveals divorced women are retiring on pensions a third the size of men’s
For example, those who are neurotic (a personality trait passed down through generations), may view their partner negatively in the same way their divorced relatives might have done.
Dr Jessica Salvatore who conducted the research into genetics and divorce said, “At present, the bulk of evidence on why divorce runs in families points to the idea that growing up with divorced parents weakens your commitment to and the interpersonal skills needed for marriage.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
“What we find is strong, consistent evidence that genetic factors account for the intergenerational transmission of divorce.
Offering a potentially marriage-saving solution, Dr Salvatore explained that working on strengthening commitment is probably not the way forward.
“Focusing on increasing commitment or strengthening interpersonal skills may not be a particularly good use of time for a therapist working with a distressed couple.
“Addressing these underlying, personality-driven cognitive distortions through cognitive-behavioural approaches may be a better strategy than trying to foster commitment.”
Caitlin is News Editor for woman&home, covering all things royal, celeb, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Caitlin started on local papers and titles such as Cosmopolitan, Now, Reveal and Take a Break while studying for her Multimedia Journalism degree. She also worked in Fashion PR as a Press Assistant for Arcadia's Topshop before becoming a part of the Now team. Caitlin went on to add the likes of Woman, GoodtoKnow, WhatToWatch and woman&home to her writing repertoire before moving on to her current role.
-
Gabby Logan wears stunning green peplum jacket from Kate Middleton's favourite designer - it's topped our spring wardrobe wish list
Gabby Logan looked super chic wearing a military-style Alexander McQueen jacket while presenting at the 2024 London Marathon
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Weekly horoscope: 2 astrologers' predictions for 22nd April - 28th April 2024
Read your weekly horoscope from Sally Trotman and Penny Thornton who reveal what this week holds for every star sign on love, family, career, and more
By Penny Thornton Published