Divorce Risk Factor: Large Age Disparity Between Spouses

A study out of Emory University finds that couples where both spouses are the same age have the greatest likelihood of an enduring marriage.

 

A disparity of just three years can noticeably tip the scales against a lasting marriage.

 

A spread of ten years? That catapults the odds of divorce by a whopping thirty-nine (39%) percent.

 

A therapist attributes this statistic to consequential differences in communications styles, frames of reference and life experiences.

 

She recommends the following steps before taking the plunge:

 

  1. Listen to your gut to know whether the age gap will be a problem. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.
  2. Consider whether you are tough enough and committed enough to risk other relationships and put up with gossip behind your backs.
  3. Make sure you’re not going to blame every disagreement on the age skew.
  4. Try to build a social circle of support with other couples with similar age differences.

 

Read more in this My Fox Houston KRIV FOX 26 piece: Four ways to minimize divorce risk when spouse vary greatly in age

Share