Thinking about divorce is a difficult moment in anyone’s life. It’s more than just a personal heartbreak—it can reshape families, affect finances and carry deep cultural and social implications.
A January 2025 study published in Communications Psychology explored attitudes towards divorce, as well as its likelihood, across individuals in 55 countries. Overall, it was found that certain values—both personal and cultural—play a key role in shaping whether people feel empowered to leave unhappy marriages or feel compelled to stay.
The authors of the study suggest that these values are powerful predictors of divorce because they develop early in life and tend to remain stable over time. This means that, even from a young age, the values we hold can shape how we approach marriage and whether we’re likely to even view divorce as an option.
Here are the two core values that support individuals in their journey of seeking divorce, according to the study.
1. Cultural Values
Divorce often challenges the way society traditionally defines relationships and family stability. Some cultures view it as a disruption to the social order, while others recognize it as a necessary path to individual fulfillment and healthier relationships.
Cultural values also shape the way individuals perceive divorce. They establish the expectations for relationships and define whether leaving a marriage is seen as an act of self-determination or a failure to uphold social duties.
Consequently, researchers found that cultures emphasizing individual autonomy had higher divorce rates, while those emphasizing social embeddedness had a lower likelihood of divorce.
In cultures that prioritize autonomy, individuals are encouraged to express their individuality, pursue personal happiness and follow their unique aspirations. These cultures tend to view divorce as a justifiable and often necessary step toward self-fulfillment.
In contrast, cultures that emphasize embeddedness view individuals as integral parts of a collective. These societies encourage individuals to maintain stability, uphold traditions and conform to societal expectations—even if their personal happiness is compromised. Divorce is more stigmatized in these cultures, and individuals are less likely to seek separation, even in unsatisfactory marriages.
If you grew up in a culture that values social embeddedness, you might feel excessive pressure to make a marriage work, no matter the great personal costs. On the other hand, if your culture values individual autonomy, you may see divorce as a valid and sometimes necessary choice in a marriage that no longer serves your well-being.
“We reason that the notion of divorce favors individuals’ freedom over commitment. Divorce predominantly promotes individuals’ goals, letting them a way out of unsatisfactory relationships, even at a potential cost to the social order,” the researchers explain.
2. Personal Values
While cultural values shape broader societal attitudes toward divorce, personal values can also dictate an individual’s approach to marriage and separation.
The researchers found that individuals who prioritize “conservation values” are less likely to consider divorce. These values emphasize stability and respect for norms and long-standing traditions, all of which discourage individuals from leaving their partners. These include:
- Conformity. Individuals who strongly value conformity are more likely to adhere to societal norms and expectations. Since divorce is still stigmatized in many communities, these individuals are more likely to stay in a marriage to avoid judgment and social disapproval.
- Tradition. Many cultures and religions discourage divorce, viewing it as a failure to uphold moral or spiritual commitments. Those who prioritize tradition may feel an obligation to maintain their marriage, regardless of whether the marriage is actually healthy or not.
On the other hand, individuals who show an openness to change are more likely to seek divorce when their relationship no longer aligns with their personal goals. These kinds of personal values include:
- Self-direction. People who value independence and personal growth see divorce as an opportunity to redefine their lives. They are less likely to stay in a relationship that stifles their aspirations or personal fulfillment.
- Stimulation. Those who seek novelty and excitement may feel constrained in a stagnant marriage. If the relationship becomes unfulfilling, they may view divorce as their chance to explore new possibilities.
- Hedonism. Individuals who prioritize pleasure and personal enjoyment are less willing to endure long-term dissatisfaction in their marriage. They may see divorce as a means to pursue happiness and more satisfying relationships.
The authors of the study found that people who valued openness to change were not only more accepting of divorce, but also more likely to take action when dissatisfied. Interestingly, the influence of personal values was even stronger in societies that emphasized autonomy—which reinforces the notion that culture and personal beliefs interact to shape an individual’s likelihood of considering divorce.
Additionally, while conservation values generally discourage divorce and encourage stability and security, the researchers suggest that there is one notable exception: seeking security can possibly motivate divorce instead of preventing it.
For example, if someone believes that their financial stability, emotional well-being or safety is at risk, they may see leaving the marriage as the best way to protect themselves and their children, if not the only way. In these cases, divorce isn’t about rejecting stability—it’s about reclaiming it.
Understanding your own values—and your partner’s—is perhaps one of the most important steps in building a lasting, fulfilling marriage. If you and your partner hold conflicting beliefs about autonomy, tradition or personal happiness, you may eventually find yourselves at odds over fundamental issues. But, when couples take the time to understand where they align and where they don’t, they can navigate their relationship with greater awareness and intention.
At the end of the day, love is important—but shared values often determine whether a marriage will truly stand the test of time.
Are you satisfied in your relationship or feeling driven toward divorce? Take the science-backed Relationship Satisfaction Scale to learn where you stand.
