YOUNG WOMEN under 25 years old outnumber all other age groups petitioning for divorce. Between 2002 and 2006, this group comprised more than 50 per cent of all divorces in Jamaica. During this period, more than 700 women under age 25 successfully petitioned for divorce each year, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica reports.

In 2006, of a total of 1,768 divorce cases, 1,145 were under age 25. Comparatively, only 260 individuals in the 40-49 age group and 81 in the 50-and-over age range were divorced. Some marriages lasted only a few months.

Marriage counsellor Dr Pauline Mullings says many young persons enter marriage unadvisedly and unprepared for the conflict that comes with the union of two individuals who are really different.

Many of these young people, she adds, get married as a way of escaping from unpleasant situations at home, so they quickly find someone and set up house.

Others, Mullings says, get into relationships to satisfy their financial needs, while the main elements that should cement a relationship - love, care and trust - are missing.

Fashion statement

According to Mullings, marriage is a "fashion" in the Church. "As soon as one couple gets married, six follow. Everyone wants to do it while they are young, without the understanding and maturity needed to sustain the relationship," the marriage counsellor states.

She adds that in the Church, young women see many of the older women not married. This poses a challenge for the young women who do not want to get to age 40 and be classified as never married. So, they enter into unworkable relationships, not realising that being happy and single is better than being married and ending up in conflict and divorce.

Divorces granted

The reduction in the number of divorces granted is as a result of the backlog in the courts and not in the numbers of divorces filed.

2005: 1,806

2006: 1,768

2007: 1,140

Source: Statistical Institute of Jamaica

Why marriages don't last

Couples do not understand the commitment that marriage involves.

Couples marry for the wrong reasons - to escape bad home situations, money, etc.

It's fashionable.

Unmet expectations.

Lack of premarital counselling.

Poorcommunication.

Poor conflictmanagement.

Infidelity by both parties.