The Role of Stress in Divorce: A Retrospective Study in Three Nations

Drawing upon earlier models of stress and divorce, this retrospective\r\nstudy investigates how divorced individuals appraise\r\nthe role of stress in their divorce. Data from divorced individuals\r\n(N = 662) from Germany, Italy, and Switzerland suggest\r\nthat low commitment and deficits in interpersonal competencies\r\n(communication, problem solving, coping) are more likely\r\nthan stress to be perceived as reasons for divorce. However,\r\nwhen considering everyday stresses, participants reported\r\ntrivial daily events to be one of the main reasons contributing\r\nto their decision to divorce. Although general stress level did\r\nnot influence individuals’ decision to divorce, most participants\r\nconsidered the accumulation of everyday stresses as a\r\ncentral trigger for divorce. Future research should investigate\r\nthe process of divorce, particularly in relation to commitment\r\nand interpersonal competencies.