title: The Temporal Effects of Divorces and Separations on Children's Academic Achievement and Problem Behavior.
abstract: This paper provides an examination of the effects of the divorce and separation process on children's academic achievement over time. By using child fixed effects and establishing a baseline period that is 4-or-more years prior to a family disruption, I can examine how children are affected in different periods relative to the disruption and whether any negative effects subside, persist, or escalate as time passes from the disruption. With a sample of 7-14 year olds, I find: children are affected at least 2-4 years before the disruption; reading test scores are most affected; and for Reading Comprehension, the negative effects persist and even escalate as time passes from the disruption.
authors.affiliation: Naval Postgraduate School.
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arkes
keywords: achievement; disruption; divorce; problem behavior; separation; test scores