The Consequences of Divorce-Related Relocation: A Scoping Review on the (Lack of) Knowledge of the Topic

Abstract

This scoping review aims to provide a systematic overview of the empirical literature on the consequences of divorce-related relocation for children. Literature in English and Dutch focused on divorce-related relocation within countries was screened. The 17 empirical studies, based on 10 independent samples and addressing the consequences of divorce-related relocation, were coded, and analyzed. The results of the included studies, with due caution given the quality of the studies and variation in the data, seem to suggest that divorce-related relocation might possibly have a short-term negative impact on psychological-, relational- and behavioral consequences. The few observations on financial-, physical health- and educational consequences made it difficult to draw conclusions. Extensive empirical research on this topic should be conducted, preferably longitudinal and including a comparison group. This could provide further insight into the short- and long-term consequences of divorce-related relocation for children and the possible interconnectedness of these consequences.