Divorce Risk Assessment

Below is a 30-item Divorce Risk Assessment designed to help couples identify factors that may increase the likelihood of marital challenges or divorce. Each item represents a potential risk factor. After completing the assessment, use the scoring guide to interpret your results.

Assessment Items

Mark each item that applies to your relationship:

1. Poor communication of feelings, needs, and wants.

2. Difficulty resolving conflicts in a timely and fair manner.

3. Married as teenagers.

4. Marriage prompted by pregnancy.

5. Cohabited before marriage.

6. Limited shared interests or hobbies.

7. Low educational attainment (high school or less).

8. Financial struggles or low-paying jobs.

9. Minimal quality time spent together as a couple.

10. Marrying someone of another religion.

11. Marrying someone of another race or ethnicity.

12. Very short courtship (less than 3 months).

13. Very long courtship (more than 3 years).

14. Previous marriages for one or both spouses.

15. Infidelity in the relationship.

16. Significant age gap between spouses.

17. Differing parenting styles or disagreements about raising children.

18. Unrealistic expectations about marriage or spouse.

19. Lack of physical intimacy or affection.

20. High levels of conflict and arguing.

21. Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.).

22. Health problems or mental illness in one spouse.

23. Domestic violence or emotional abuse.

24. Lack of commitment from one spouse.

25. Different religious, cultural, or political beliefs causing tension.

26. Influence of divorced parents or friends who are divorced.

27. Financial problems, debt, or incompatible views on money management.

28. External family pressures (e.g., in-laws, cultural traditions).

29. Spending excessive time at work or neglecting the relationship.

30. Seeking advice from others about divorce.

Scoring Guide

Count the number of items you marked and use the guide below:

• 0–5 Factors: Low risk for divorce; your relationship appears stable with minimal risk factors present.

• 6–10 Factors: Moderate risk for divorce; there are some areas that may require attention and improvement to strengthen your marriage.

• 11–20 Factors: High risk for divorce; significant challenges exist that could jeopardize marital stability without intervention (e.g., counseling).

• 21+ Factors: Very high risk for divorce; immediate action is recommended to address issues and seek professional support.

Interpretation

This assessment highlights correlates of divorce rather than causes, meaning these factors indicate areas where additional effort may be needed to maintain a healthy marriage. Couples who score higher should consider addressing these risks through open communication, counseling, or other interventions to strengthen their relationship.