Reasons for divorce and recollections of premarital intervention: Implications for improving relationship education.
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The study presents findings from interviews of 52 divorced individuals who received the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) while engaged to be married. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study sought to understand participant reasons for divorce (including identification of the "final straw") in order to understand if the program covered these topics effectively. Participants also provided suggestions based on their premarital education experiences so as to improve future relationship education efforts. The most commonly reported major contributors to divorce were lack of commitment, infidelity, and conflict/arguing. The most common "final straw" reasons were infidelity, domestic violence, and substance use. More participants blamed their partners than blamed themselves for the divorce. Recommendations from participants for the improvement of premarital education included receiving relationship education before making a commitment to marry (when it would be easier to break-up), having support for implementing skills outside of the educational setting, and increasing content about the stages of typical marital development. These results provide new insights into the timing and content of premarital and relationship education.
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Infidelity remains one of the major causes of divorce.
“As infidelity remains one of the major causes of divorce, it is essential that therapists are trained to help couples deal with what can be a devastating personal and relational experience [107].”
From Love and Infidelity: Causes and Consequences (2023) · cites this paper as [107]
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“All of this aligns with the findings from previous research (Amato, 2010; Clarke-Stewart & Brentano, 2006; Khaleghi et al., 2021; Odis, 2021; Scott et al., 2013).”
Okamoto, R. M., Saxey, M. T., Wikle, J. S., & LeBaron‐Black, A. B. (2023) · Journal of Family and Economic Issues · doi:10.1007/s10834-023-09903-1 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“…why financial self-efficacy may be associated with romantic relationship outcomes in emerging adulthood might provide additional information on where to intervene to help emerging adult couples avoid divorce (Dew et al., 2012; Hawkins et al., 2012; Scott et al., 2013) or relationship dissolution.”
Violation of Women's Rights on Divorce: Study on Religious Court Decision
Kholidah, Ridho, M., Sobhan, & Ritonga, M. (2023) · Journal of Law and Sustainable Development · doi:10.55908/sdgs.v11i6.1230 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Construction and Validation of Emotional Divorce Scale in Iranian Population
Koohshahi, F. M., Rezaei, A., & Najaf, M. (2019) · Practice in Clinical Psychology · doi:10.32598/jpcp.7.1.53 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Irish Women’s Ongoing Experiences of Domestic Abuse in Cases of Separation and Divorce
Crosse, R., & Millar, M. (2017) · Journal of Divorce & Remarriage · doi:10.1080/10502556.2017.1344499 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Risk factors for divorce in Slovenia: a qualitative study of divorced persons’ experience
Klobučar, N. R., & Simonič, B. (2016) · Journal of Family Studies · doi:10.1080/13229400.2016.1176592 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
The Resilience of Women Who Are Divorced and Choose to Live with Their Children
Haikal, M., & Latipun, L. (2020) · Psychology and Behavioral Sciences · doi:10.11648/j.pbs.20200904.12 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“[6], that the high amounts of divorce are caused by several factors like poor communication, irresponsible husband, economic crisis, nonexistent of positive behavior, third person, or domestic violence.”
BackgroundExperiences after infidelity via internet communication: Surveillance, ambivalence, and termination
Hertlein, K. M., Chang, J., VanYperen, A., Fatkin, K., & Nakamura, S. (2021) · Sexual & Relationship Therapy · doi:10.1080/14681994.2021.1907568 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
“(Allen et al., 2008; Knopp et al., 2017; Russell et al., 2013; Scott et al., 2013).”
Eslami, M., Yazdanpanah, M., Andalib, P., Rahimi, A., Safizadeh, M., Dadvar, A., & Nakhaee, N. (2018) · Electronic physician · doi:10.19082/7071 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“Moreover, most studies published in international journals on perceived causes of divorce have been carried out in Western countries (19).”
BackgroundValidación del Inventario Multidimensional de Infidelidad (IMIN) en población colombiana
Munévar, F. R., Patiño, L. E. P., Ortegón, L. V. M., Rodríguez, M. C., Zapata, C. D., & Niño, Y. N. R. (2021) · International journal of psychological research · doi:10.21500/20112084.4710 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“In this regard, there are studies that point to infidelity as one of the main causes of divorce in couples (Allen & Atkins, 2012; Amato & Previti, 2003; Buss & Shackelford, 1997; Buss, 2016; Eslami et al., 2018; Scott et al., 2013).”
BackgroundInfluentialda Silva, A. F., Estrela, F. M., de Magalhães, J. R. F., Gomes, N. P., Pereira, Á., Carneiro, J. B., da Cruz, M. A., & Costa, D. (2022) · Ciência & Saúde Coletiva · doi:10.1590/1413-81232022276.18412021 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Dew, J. P., Saxey, M. T., & Mettmann, A. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1038169 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“For example, a lack of personal dedication commitment in a marriage was identified as the top reason couples ended up divorcing (Scott et al., 2013).”
BackgroundLove Stinks: The Association between Body Odors and Romantic Relationship Commitment
Keaveny, M., & Mahmut, M. K. (2021) · Brain Sciences · doi:10.3390/brainsci11111522 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Indeed, poor health is a commonly cited reason for divorce of married couples [12].”
BackgroundThe potent cocktail of love, intimacy, sex, and power: an assessment pyramid for couples therapy
Brown, J. (2019) · Sexual & Relationship Therapy · doi:10.1080/14681994.2019.1682540 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
The Effects of Emotional Schema Therapy and Differentiation Training on Emotional Divorce in Women
Kamalian, T., Mirzahosseini, H., & Monirpour, N. (2021) · Journal of Client-centered Nursing Care · doi:10.32598/jccnc.7.1.357.1 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Mnyango, R. P., & Alpaslan, N. (2018) · Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk · doi:10.15270/54-1-615 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Changes in Dental Care Use Following Marital Status Change in the Health and Retirement Study
Hubbard, S., & Cornell, P. Y. (2024) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/gnae151 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Commitment in Different Relationships Statuses: Validation Study of the Personal Commitment Scale
Pego, A., Costa-Ramalho, S., Ribeiro, M. T., & Pinto, A. M. (2015) · The Spanish Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1017/sjp.2015.35 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
An Exploration of Counselors’ Beliefs and Approaches for Relationship Loss
Hollenbaugh, K. M. H., Strauss, L. M., Feldmann, T. M., Oyeniyi, O., & Vashisht, K. (2019) · Journal of Loss and Trauma · doi:10.1080/15325024.2019.1664126 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Her, M., & Xiong, Z. B. (2023) · Journal of Family Issues · doi:10.1177/0192513x231162966 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“Similarly, others have found that US couples often cited growing apart, lack of communication and commitment, and frequent con fl ict in their marriage as primary reasons for divorce (Hawkins, Willoughby, & Doherty, 2012; Scott, Rhoades, Stanley, Allen, & Markman, 2013).”
BackgroundBoşanma Nedenleri ve Boşanma Sonrası Çocukların Sosyal Uyumu: Trabzon İli Örneği
Güven, N., & KÖROĞLU, A. (2023) · ODÜ Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi (ODÜSOBİAD) · doi:10.48146/odusobiad.1279194 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Galovan, A. M., Hawkins, A. J., Harris, S. M., & Simpson, D. M. (2021) · Journal of Marital and Family Therapy · doi:10.1111/jmft.12480 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Relationship between stress, anxiety and family environment in Turkish married individuals
Yanardağ, M. Z., ÇAY, M., & Özden, S. A. (2024) · Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment · doi:10.1080/10911359.2024.2369538 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“…behind the increase in the number of divorces are associated with changes in traditional values, reduction of social pressure, women’s participation in social life, and the decreased impact of traditional perspectives and religion in daily life (Abdulrahman & Alamri, 2021; Scott et al., 2013).”
Lunkuse, J. F., Lwanga, C., Wamono, F., Muturi‐Kioi, V., Price, M. A., & Mayanja, Y. (2025) · AIDS and Behavior · doi:10.1007/s10461-025-04616-y · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Secondly, divorced people experience high levels of psychological distress and are therefore more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors to relieve stress, increasing their chances of contracting HIV [44].”
Assaf, M., Hallit, R. R., Malaeb, D. N., Sakr, F., Dabbous, M., Fekih‐Romdhane, F., Obeïd, S., & Hallit, S. R. (2025) · Cogent Psychology · doi:10.1080/23311908.2025.2540065 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Furthermore, financial difficulties negatively influence marital stability (scott et al., 2013), with higher divorce rates disrupting family functioning, as evidenced by lebanese studies linking parental separation to adolescent mental health issues such as depression, social anxiety, and suicidal…”
Marici, M. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1646458 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Heim, C., & Heim, C. (2025) · American Journal of Family Therapy · doi:10.1080/01926187.2025.2459688 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Aspalan, A. H. (2018) · Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk · doi:10.15270/54-3-651 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Ending the silo effect: A test of the relational domain spillover model
Manvelian, A., Fivecoat, H. C., Milek, A., & Lawrence, E. E. (2021) · Family Process · doi:10.1111/famp.12728 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Abolghasemi, J., Jafari, F., Samani, L. N., & Rimaz, S. (2024) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.59610 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“A history of divorce or substance addiction in one or both partners can also introduce additional stress and conflict, possibly reducing satisfaction [10].”
BackgroundAgliam, D. G., Bongolto, K. L., Pobeda, G. R., Vega, P. J., & Vallespin, M. R. (2024) · International Journal of Current Science Research and Review · doi:10.47191/ijcsrr/v7-i5-19 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Divorce Astrologer: Machine Learning based Divorce Prediction of Married Couples
Oswald, C., Baranwal, S., Narayanan, S. M. S. S., & Bhattacharya, A. (2022) · IEEE India Conference · doi:10.1109/indicon56171.2022.10040167 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Maheshwari, S., & Barman, J. D. (2023) · Family Transitions · doi:10.1080/10502556.2023.2293392 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Ononokpono, D. N., Ugwu, N. H., & Odimegwu, C. O. (2025) · Cogent Social Sciences · doi:10.1080/23311886.2025.2536189 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“…infidelity or extramarital affairs, excessive conflict or bickering, and a lack of commitment were the most often selected reasons for divorce (Scott et al., 2013). getting married too young, having communication issues, being incompatible, abusing one’s spouse, abusing drugs or alcohol,…”
Love, sex and artificial intelligence
Dubey, S., Dubey, M. J., Sengupta, S., Ghosh, R., Das, S., & Chatterjee, S. (2025) · QJM · doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcaf202 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
The Cheating Heart: Phenomenology in Women Who Decides to Have an Affair in Marriage
Shaleha, R. R. A. (2021) · Jurnal Psikologi · doi:10.14710/jp.20.2.109-122 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Divorced from Citizenship: Palestinian-Christian Women between the Church and the Jewish State
Yefet, K. C., & Shahar, I. (2021) · Law & Social Inquiry · doi:10.1017/lsi.2021.65 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Nihayah, Z., Sururin, S., Choirunnisa, C., Hidayat, D. H. Z., Alim, S., & Fayruz, M. (2023) · Islamic Guidance and Counseling Journal · doi:10.25217/igcj.v6i1.3254 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Aignesberger, V., & Greitemeyer, T. (2024) · Personal Relationships · doi:10.1111/pere.12552 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Reasons Couples Divorce: Differences by Sex, Race, and Education Level
Payne, J. A., Price, C. J., Cox, R. B., & Brosi, M. W. (2024) · Family Transitions · doi:10.1080/28375300.2024.2400422 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Coyle, P., Doorn, G. H. V., Teese, R., & Dye, J. (2024) · Family Process · doi:10.1111/famp.13088 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Fitzgerald, M., Galovan, A. M., Papp, V., Brosi, M. W., & Cox, R. (2025) · Journal of Marital and Family Therapy · doi:10.1111/jmft.70034 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Lacker, T. J., Walther, A., Waldvogel, P., & Ehlert, U. (2020) · Psych · doi:10.3390/psych2040027 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Moreover, infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce [6,7].”
BackgroundKeputusan Mengakhiri Relasi Suami-Istri: Sebuah Studi Fenomenologis
Alfaruqy, M. Z., & Indrawati, E. S. (2021) · Psychopolytan Jurnal Psikologi · doi:10.36341/psi.v5i1.1847 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Science of Psychology as a Tool for Islamic Revival
Rahman, M. M. (2022) · American Journal of Applied Psychology · doi:10.11648/j.ajap.20221101.12 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Even the marriages among many in liberal societies continue on the basis of frequent joy they engage in together but whenever loyalty, devotion and self-sacrifice are needed distance between the couple is revealed and rivalry emerges [19, 20].”
BackgroundHow contingencies of self-worth influence reactions to emotional and sexual infidelity
Ellis, M., & Kleinplatz, P. J. (2018) · The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality · doi:10.3138/cjhs.2017-0023 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Timing, Initiators, and Causes of Divorce in a Mayangna/Miskito Community in Nicaragua
Winking, J., & Koster, J. (2021) · Social Sciences · doi:10.3390/socsci10060212 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
“Many researchers have been critical of this “paternal provisioning model”, however, noting that paternal investment is quite variable cross-culturally, and often not that impactful (Hawkes 1993; Bleige Bird et al. 2001; Sear and Mace 2008; Coxworth et al. 2015).”
BackgroundKlausli, J. F., & Gross, C. (2020) · Journal of Psychology and Theology · doi:10.1177/0091647120956965 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Effectiveness of mentor couples in premarital education Scott et al. (2013) found support for the notion that mentor couples might be helpful for marriage preparation and education.”
BackgroundMethodUbochi, N. E., Osuchukwu, E. C., Nnamani, A. J., & Chinweuba, A. U. (2023) · Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology · doi:10.5897/jphe2022.1412 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Aile Yılında Bekârlığın Görünümünü Anlamak
Ayhan, D., & Ulutaş, Z. (2025) · Selçuk Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi Dergisi · doi:10.21497/sefad.1682149 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Recognition of mental disorders among the Singapore general population: an 8-year comparison
Shahwan, S., Tan, B. C. W., Tan, Y. B., Gunasekaran, S., Ong, W. J., Shafie, S., Poh, P., Schomerus, G., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2026) · BMC Psychiatry · doi:10.1186/s12888-026-07784-w · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Individuals who have undergone marital separation often cite substance use as having contributed to their marriages dissolution with a study that interviewed 52 divorcees reporting substance use to be among the most common ‘final straw’ reasons, alongside infidelity and domestic violence [49].”
Zarei, K., Shahbazi, M., & Koraei, A. (2022) · Bimonthly Journal of Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences · doi:10.34172/hmj.2023.5131 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Many studies have found that infidelity is the leading cause of a breakdown and marital conflict, leading to reduced marital satisfaction (14, 15).”
BackgroundAsfaw, L. S., & Alene, G. D. (2023) · International Journal of Qualitative Research · doi:10.47540/ijqr.v3i2.1003 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“The tool was developed by reviewing relevant literature (Fura, 2018; Mekonnen et al., 2019; Scott et al., 2013) and based on expert opinion (from psychology and researchers).”
MethodResultPsychosocial Variables That Enhance Marital Stability Among Couples in Southeast Nigeria
Nzewuji, A. U., Uche, I. B., & Uche, O. A. (2024) · Journal of Social Service Research · doi:10.1080/01488376.2024.2352155 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Individuals are inclined to end a marriage when the advantages diminish, and the repercussions of leaving are minimal (Scott et al., 2013).”
Mehta, C. M. (2025) · doi:10.1093/9780197777763.001.0001 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Mutahi, S., & Akech, E. (2025) · Family Transitions · doi:10.1080/28375300.2025.2457173 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Kustanto, A., Sayifullah, S., Khan, Z. U., Ul-Haq, J., & Visas, H. (2025) · Journal of Family Violence · doi:10.1007/s10896-025-00889-y · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Wildey, M. N., Donnellan, M. B., Klump, K. L., & Burt, S. A. (2019) · Journal of Personality Disorders · doi:10.1521/pedi_2019_33_414 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Poetry as a Strategy in Courting: The Case of Basotho Boys
Thetso, M. L., & Kolobe, M. (2022) · Southern African Journal for Folklore Studies · doi:10.25159/2663-6697/9475 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Gou, L. H. (2019) · UVic’s Research and Learning Repository (University of Victoria) · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Spitzberg, B. H. (2015) · The International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication · doi:10.1002/9781118540190.wbeic145 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
A comprehensive exploration of divorce factors: Insights from women, family counselors, and judgesPreprint
Mohamadian, H., Rezaei, M., & Kordzanganeh, J. (2024) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-3824111/v1 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Psychometric properties of the multidimensional inventory of infidelity in Jordanian society
Aldahadha, B., & Al-Momani, W. A. M. (2023) · Cogent Social Sciences · doi:10.1080/23311886.2023.2189354 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“In this regard, many studies have indicated that infidelity is one of the main causes of divorce between spouses (Allen & Atkins, 2012; Amato & Previti, 2003; Buss & Shackelford, 1997; Scott et al., 2013).”
BackgroundHomophily in Interfaith Marriages in Israel Between Jewish Israeli Men and Arab Israeli Women
Layosh, B., Zalcman, B. G., & Adam, K.-M. (2024) · Marriage & Family Review · doi:10.1080/01494929.2024.2389280 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
“The decision when and with whom to marry or live depends on various individual, family and social factors (Marsden, 1988; Scott et al., 2013).”
Reaching American Indian Parents Through Online Divorce Education
Turner, J. J., Higginbotham, B. J., Bradford, K. P., & Schramm, D. G. (2025) · The Family Journal · doi:10.1177/10664807251314033 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Sociodemographic drivers of memorable city breaks: Evidence from tourists in Serbia
Tešin, A., Kovačić, S., & Bratić, M. (2025) · Turizam · doi:10.5937/turizam29-54027 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Honarvar, B., Ghasemi, B., Hekmat, K., Karimi, A., Zahedroozegar, M. H., Khaksar, E., Hassani, Z. M., Zare, S., Rafiee, F., Shaygani, F., et al. (2025) · Shiraz E-Medical Journal · doi:10.5812/semj-148536 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
- Authors
- Scott, S. B., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., Allen, E. S., & Markman, H. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Denver (US)
- University of Colorado Denver (US)
- Venue
- Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice
- Published
- 2013-06
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 131-145
- ISSN
- 2160-4096 (ISSN-L)
- 2160-410X
- PMC
- PMC4012696
- OpenAlex
- W1978311924
- Cited by
- 176
- References
- 39
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 22 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 6.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Couple and Family Psychology Research and Practice (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R01HD053314)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
- Social Sciences › Demography › Family Dynamics and Relationships
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Marriage and Sexual Relationships
- Keywords
- divorce, marriage preparation, relationship education, causes of divorce, infidelity, domestic violence, substance use, marital commitment, conflict, blame attribution
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