The divorce of parents represents a significant transition in a child's life, often resulting in enduring impacts on their overall wellbeing. The separation of parents constitutes a transformative experience for the child, who may be exposed to detrimental circumstances, such as witnessing frequent conflicts between parents and becoming embroiled in custody disputes.

In addition to the psychological and emotional difficulties, this situation can also give rise to health issues. Research published in the journal PLOS One indicates that children from divorced families may encounter an increased risk of stroke in their later years.

Connection with stroke later in life

The research conducted by Esme Fuller-Thomson at the University of Toronto analyzed a sample of over 13,000 individuals aged 65 and above. The findings indicated that individuals whose parents divorced prior to their 18th birthday faced a 60% increased likelihood of suffering a stroke in comparison to those raised in stable family environments.

Moreover, the impact of parental divorce as a risk factor is on par with that of diabetes and male gender. Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study's author, expressed concern, stating, “It is extremely concerning that older adults who grew up in divorced families had 60% higher odds of stroke, even after excluding those who had been physically or sexually abused as children. The magnitude of the association between parental divorce and stroke was comparable to well-established risk factors for stroke such as male gender and having diabetes.”

Possible causes

The environment surrounding a divorce is often highly unstable, leading to significant stress. The persistent stress resulting from family disruption and impending separation can be overwhelming. This stress impacts the body's stress response system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for stress regulation. A malfunctioning HPA axis has been associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Additionally, children raised in divorced families may face various health challenges, such as elevated blood pressure and sleep disturbances, both of which can further heighten the risk of stroke.

Divorce represents a tumultuous period, and the challenges often persist beyond the separation. Research indicates a clear link between growing up in a divorced household and health outcomes in adulthood. It is essential to prioritize the needs of children during a divorce, ensuring their well-being is protected to alleviate the long-term effects of the trauma associated with divorce.

Read Also: Republic Day 2025: Key Details on Theme, Chief Guest, and Historical Significance

"Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!"