Low Self-Esteem in People Navigating Divorce or Separation

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established standardized prevalence
Is it more common among people navigating divorce or separation? Self-esteem declines in the period leading up to marital dissolution
Are people navigating divorce or separation at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? 10-wave study: significant self-esteem decline preceding divorce, then stability afterward
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among people navigating divorce or separation? Strong Yes
How might it look different? Rejection, betrayal, perceived failure, changed desirability, financial/social identity and comparison with ex-partner can become global self-judgments
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Normal hurt/rejection; Adjustment Disorder; MDD; trauma-related beliefs
Common screening tool RSES — Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Separate screening tool for people navigating divorce or separation None
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