Abstract
   
Marriage is the inevitable outcome of love. Americans, advocating the individual happiness and endless freedom, often choose to divorce when they find the marriage unsatisfactory. The rate is as high as 50 percent, ranking first place all over the world, which is surprising to all. This paper aims to figure out the main reasons of their divorce, other factors which may affect the divorce, the child custody and the influences the divorce has on the children. Having analyzed the things above, Americans can better understand the true meaning of love and take the marriage seriously.

Key words: divorce, reasons, impact, children, parent education program

摘 要

婚姻本是追求幸福的象征，崇尚享乐和自由的美国的离婚率却高达50%，跃居世界第一，着实令人匪夷所思。本文旨在分析美国人离婚的主要原因，以及其他因素对离婚的影响，探讨离婚后对抚养权的归属以及对子女造成的问题。通过上述分析，探讨美国人如何更好地了解爱的真谛，正确对待婚姻。

关键词：离婚；缘由；影响；孩子；父母教育计划

1.    Introduction
In nearly all cultures, the family is regarded as the basic societal unit rather than an isolated one. It is true of the United States as well. American family is now facing multiple problems, among which high divorce rate is the most talked. About one out of two marriages now ends up in divorce. (Yao Zongli, 207) The extremely high rate ranks first in the whole world. At one and a same time, a great many social problems come along with the divorce; for instance, the increase of criminals among the youth. However, the couple cares more about whether they themselves are happy or not. If they are fed up with each other during the marriage life, they will definitely get a divorce even though children are involved. Unlike Chinese people who may neglect their real thoughts for the children’s good, Americans hold the point of view that they ought not to stay married as long as they are no longer fit for each other.