Which is better for your kids? Should you stay together for the sake of the kids, or have a good divorce and set positive role models for your kids?

The issue is whether or not divorced couples can raise children who fare better in life as adults than unhappy couples who stay together for the sake of the kids.

It is generally accepted that children learn both good and dysfunctional patterns and behavior from their parents. The question is what do kids learn from divorced parents and what do they learn from parents who sacrifice their own happiness for their children?

Latest Developments
With the publication of several books on the good divorce issue, the studies behind the books are being looked at more closely.
Professor Constance Ahrons did a 20-year longitudinal study. She interviewed the parents in person three times over five years and then she interviewed the adult children 20 years later. Her study showed that 80% of the children "come through divorce as emotionally healthy adults. And most all of the other research indicates that."
Source: Anderson Cooper 360 Interview

Elizabeth Marquardt's study involved a nationally representative telephone survey of 1,500 young adults. Half were from divorced families and half were from intact families. Her study has not been published in any scientific journal. Marquardt did not talk to the parents.
Source: Anderson Cooper 360 Interview

What's at Stake?
You may find yourselves confused about how much trauma your children will suffer from your possible divorce.
Depending on how you and your spouse handle your divorce and parenting responsibilities, the future emotional health of your children is at stake if you divorce.