The Forum Ehe+Familie (FEF) welcomes and supports the proposal by National Councillor Marc Jost [1] to strengthen marriages, partnerships, and couples. Stable relationships significantly enhance quality of life and substantially reduce economic costs.
The network partners of Forum Ehe+Familie encounter the consequences of separation daily in their counseling and training services. These consequences are not only deeply personal and dramatic but also result in significant, often underestimated, economic costs. Drawing on its experience and the conviction that strong marriages and healthy families are no coincidence, the FEF urges Parliament to support National Councillor Marc Jost’s proposal. The Federal Council should evaluate the economic costs of divorce and develop recommendations to prevent harm to individuals and society.
The vast majority of people in Switzerland continue to view a stable, happy marriage as the most critical factor for a good quality of life. This is why many still choose to marry despite the high risk of failure.
Stigmas Against Divorce Have Been Overcome—Consequences Are Underestimated
On the one hand, it is fortunate that the former social and religious obstacles and stigmas surrounding divorce have been overcome. On the other hand, experts warn about the often underestimated and devastating consequences of divorce.
Divorce ranks second only to the death of a spouse on the list of most stressful life events. The effort required to cope and readjust is generally experienced as profoundly challenging.
Health and Psychological Consequences
Divorced and separated individuals are approximately six times more likely to require psychiatric inpatient or outpatient care compared to married individuals. They also exhibit significantly higher susceptibility to both acute and chronic physical illnesses. Additionally, the mortality rate, suicide rate, and risk of depression are notably higher among this group. “Divorce is one of the most significant psychosocial health risks,” stated Professor Jürg Willi as early as 1991. These factors place a substantial burden on the healthcare system, driving up costs.
Economic Consequences
The economic impact of absenteeism and reduced productivity among those affected during the months, and sometimes years, of contentious disputes and divorce proceedings is challenging to quantify but must be considered significant.
Divorce as a “Billion-Dollar Industry”
Divorce has long evolved into a “billion-dollar industry,” with significantly more divorce lawyers than marriage counselors. This dynamic undermines a vast reserve of positive resources.
Consequences for Affected Children
Extensive research has examined the impact of divorce on children. While some cases report increased independence—stemming from reduced parental support—the list of negative consequences is overwhelming. These include higher rates of behavioral disorders, academic difficulties, physical and mental health issues, and an elevated risk of mortality. Furthermore, there is the phenomenon of “social inheritance,” wherein children from divorced households are significantly more likely to experience divorce themselves. Given the rise in divorce rates in recent decades, a corresponding increase in these adverse outcomes can be anticipated in the future.
In 2011, the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA-RES) declared in a resolution at its delegates’ meeting: “Marriage is the model of the future.” The delegates voiced strong support for politicians who prioritize strengthening marriage and family. As a part of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, the Marriage+Family Forum wholeheartedly backs Marc Jost’s postulate, which is scheduled for discussion in the National Council on Monday, December 16.
Originally published by Swiss Evangelical Alliance, used with permission.
