Is the discord between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law a factor leading to divorce? The impact of the discord between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law

Disagreement between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law may be one of the factors leading to divorce, but it is not the decisive reason. Marriage breakdown is usually caused by multiple factors such as intensified conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, lack of communication between husband and wife, economic pressure, conflicting values, and weak emotional foundation.

First, the intensification of conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law

Long term competition for family roles or conflicts in parenting concepts may exacerbate the conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. If the husband fails to effectively mediate, it is easy for the wife to feel isolated. Typical manifestations include frequent verbal disputes between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, cold wars, or interference in the private life of spouses, which may indirectly lead to spouses blaming their partners for marital stress.

2. Lack of Communication between Couples

When conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dominate family issues, couples are prone to overlook each other's emotional needs. Research has found that in many divorce cases, both spouses tend to confide in their family of origin rather than solve problems together, and this communication mode can accelerate the alienation of intimate relationships.

III. Economic Pressure

The dual economic burden of supporting the elderly and forming a new family may exacerbate conflicts, especially when there are differences in financial control between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Real problems such as housing shortages and the sharing of childcare expenses often become the trigger for mother-in-law relationships, which in turn become the focus of arguments between spouses.

Fourth, Conflict of Values

The differences between traditional and modern concepts between generations will be reflected in daily details such as parenting styles and consumption habits. If both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law insist on their own opinions and the husband's attitude is ambiguous, the continuous collision of value systems may weaken the cohesion of the marriage and ultimately evolve into fundamental differences between husband and wife.

Fifth, weak emotional foundation

Couples with weak emotional foundations before marriage are more susceptible to external influences. When conflicts arise between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, such marriages often lack a buffer zone, and spouses may view mother-in-law and daughter-in-law issues as a test of marital quality, leading to divorce decisions. Improving the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law requires establishing clear intergenerational boundaries, and husbands should actively take on the role of mediators rather than avoiding conflicts. Regularly hold family meetings for open communication, establish mutually accepted rules for getting along, and seek help from family therapists if necessary. Cultivating the ability of couples to cope with problems together is more important than simply resolving conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. The stability of a marriage ultimately depends on the emotional connection and problem-solving ability of both spouses. Maintaining economic independence and appropriate physical distance can also effectively reduce the negative impact of mother-in-law daughter-in-law friction on marriage.