People get married for all kinds of reasons, and their explanations for divorce can also be quite diverse. Still, researchers who explore trends in divorce can spot certain consistent contributing factors that make a couple realize their marriage no longer works.
The most common reasons for divorce have changed over the years, and a roundup of the top-reported causes for divorce in 2020 provides great insight into the current culture in the United States.
Addiction has become a leading cause of divorce
Alcohol abuse and other forms of addiction have long contributed to marital discord and higher rates of divorce. However, with the rise of opioid addiction, there are more families facing impossible decisions every year. When a spouse has an addiction issue they don’t want to address, especially if there are children in the family, divorce may seem like the only viable solution for the sober spouse.
Financial issues remain a major marital disruptor
Financial issues ranging from irresponsible spending to gambling have been a main cause of divorce for decades. When spouses have different attitudes about how they spend or save money, financial issues can lead to the end of a marriage and can also lead to contentious divorce proceedings.
Adultery is the top-cited cause of divorce
Marital infidelity ruins relationships. This fact surprises no one. Infidelity has also become easier thanks to the internet and mobile phones at the same time that people recognize various forms of infidelity more easily than in the past. Not only do people care about physical intimacy, but they may worry about emotional affairs as well.
Couples dealing with financial issues, adultery or even addiction can sometimes work things out and save their marriage. Understanding what often leads people to file for divorce can help some feel more confident in the decision to end their marriage.