Studies Explain Why Men Are Less Likely To Initiate Divorce

When it comes to ending a marriage, decades of research have consistently shown that women are more likely to take the first step than men. While marriage tends to benefit men by improving their health, career prospects, and even life expectancy, the same is not always true for women. Research has found that unmarried women often experience greater emotional and physical well-being compared to their married peers. On the other hand, unmarried men face a higher risk of loneliness, declining health, and a shorter lifespan.

The differences in outcomes between men and women in marriage help explain why men are less likely to initiate divorce, even when they are deeply unhappy. Studies show that men rely more heavily on marriage for emotional support and life satisfaction. Women, in contrast, are often more capable of thriving independently. Several key factors contribute to why men may find it difficult to leave an unhappy marriage, even when doing so could potentially improve their personal well-being.

A Sense Of Responsibility To Their Children

The number one reason men hesitate to leave their marriage is their children. For most fathers, staying married is seen as a duty to their family rather than a reflection of a satisfying partnership. Men often fear that leaving could disrupt their children’s lives or diminish their role as parents.

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law revealed that separated fathers often described “home” as more than just a place—it was tied to emotions, relationships, and daily routines. Despite their efforts to create nurturing and emotionally supportive environments, many fathers experienced a sense of loss when they were not with their children. Some children continued to see their mother’s residence as their “real home,” which left many fathers feeling disconnected and marginalized.

These emotional challenges weigh heavily on men, leading some to stay in marriages that are no longer fulfilling. Their commitment to their children, combined with a fear of losing emotional bonds, typically outweighs their personal dissatisfaction with the marital relationship.

Fear Of Losing Stability

Divorce can bring considerable change, and some men find these changes too difficult to face. Emotional upheaval is often accompanied by financial uncertainty, disruptions to familiar routines, and fears about future loneliness. The decision to stay may stem less from a sense of hope for improvement and more from the fear of the unknown.

A 2024 study in Aging & Mental Health found that divorced older adults often reported feeling a combination of freedom and loneliness. Although divorce offered some the chance to pursue long-suppressed desires, others struggled with the deep isolation that sometimes followed. The contrast between emotional liberation and feelings of emptiness highlights the difficult consequences that divorce can bring.

Men’s patterns after divorce also tend to differ from women’s. According to a 2018 Sociological Inquiry study, men are more likely to remarry, while women tend to remain single. This suggests that marriage continues to serve as a vital source of companionship and emotional support for many men. The thought of losing this stability can be so unsettling that some men choose to remain in unhappy marriages rather than face an uncertain future alone.

Limited Support Systems

Although men often report having a greater number of same-sex friendships than women, these relationships typically lack emotional depth. Societal expectations about masculinity frequently discourage vulnerability, intimacy, and emotional sharing among men. Factors such as competitiveness, fear of appearing weak, and the absence of role models for open emotional expression contribute to these shallow social connections.

Without strong emotional support networks, a lot of men feel isolated. This lack of close, trusting relationships can make the idea of leaving a marriage seem even more daunting. For some, remaining in a dysfunctional marriage feels preferable to facing loneliness and the loss of familiar companionship.

Researchers suggest that traditional male roles and societal expectations about strength and independence create barriers to forming deep emotional connections. Without emotional outlets, men may find themselves clinging to their marriages as their primary, and sometimes only, source of support.

A Complex Entanglement Of Factors

Men’s reluctance to leave unhappy marriages rarely stems from a single cause. Instead, it often reflects a complex combination of emotional conditioning, fears about loneliness and instability, a deep commitment to their children, and the absence of meaningful support systems. Many men continue to stay out of a sense of habit, loyalty to their family, or the hope that things will eventually return to how they once were.

While it can be difficult to make changes, it is important for individuals to know that emotional honesty, self-care, and openness are not signs of weakness. They are steps toward building a healthier, more fulfilling life—whether within the marriage or beyond it.

Call The Law Offices Of Sandra Guzman To Discuss Your Divorce Concerns

If you are considering divorce in Maryland or have questions about the divorce process, The Law Offices of Sandra Guzman is here to provide information and support. With offices conveniently located in Rockville, Greenbelt, Bethesda, and Frederick, Maryland, our team is committed to helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence. To schedule a consultation, contact our Maryland divorce lawyer at The Law Office of Sandra Guzman-Salvado by calling (301) 340-1911. We are here to listen, inform, and assist you every step of the way.