Medical Trials Reveal Divorce Leads to More Colds for Kids

The common cold is a source of misery for kids and adults. On average, we catch 2-4 colds per year. One heavy cold is bad enough, but kids who have experienced the stress of a difficult divorce are far more likely to suffer from frequent colds as adults.

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Carnegie Mellon University Research Study

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania in the US placed 201 healthy (and brave) adults into quarantine, where they were exposed to a virus that is known to cause the common cold. Each adult was monitored for five days to see whether they developed a cold or respiratory illness. Researchers discovered that adults whose parents had a messy divorce were three times more likely to catch a cold.

The Carnegie Mellon researchers concluded that being exposed to a stressful situation such as an acrimonious divorce negatively affected the body’s immune system, which caused poor health and a greater risk of illness 20-40 years later.

The Effects of a Messy Divorce

This is a significant finding. Experts are already well aware that being a product of a broken family can negatively affect a child’s mental health, his or her educational attainment, and cause behavioral problems. There have also been previous studies that drew a link between health and the stress of a divorce, but what caused this link was not clear.

The research study carried out by the post-doctoral researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, however, has discovered that the immune system was negatively affected by serious family conflict during childhood.

Minimizing the Effects of Divorce on Children

Divorce and relationship breakdown is tough on everyone, but it is possible to minimize the damage caused. It’s important that both parties act in the best interests of their children. This includes not arguing in front of the kids and not using the kids as bargaining tools.

Instead of slinging mud at each other, agree to attend marriage mediation to work through child support and child custody issues. Discussing arrangements in the presence of a neutral third-party can often reduce the level of conflict and help both parties reach an amicable solution. For a guide to divorce in AZ, click the link, but for personalized advice on mediation services, ask your divorce attorney for advice.

The Link between Sleep and Poor Health

Divorce stress is not the only precursor to a common cold. Further scientific research has proven that inadequate sleep also raises our risk of catching a cold. In fact, poor sleep or a lack of a sleep affects our overall health more than any other factor. So, if you want your kids to enjoy a healthier immune system in later life, make sure they go to bed at a reasonable time and avoid exposing them to the stress of an acrimonious divorce.

Divorce is painful, but rather than exposing your children to a lifetime of poor health and emotional problems, act like grownups and try to resolve your differences in an amicable way.