Divorce is a deeply personal, complex and often overwhelming decision. For some, it stems from intense conflict; for others, it’s a slow drift apart. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy sheds light on this decision-making process, revealing four distinct types of individuals contemplating divorce, each with unique approaches to addressing their marital struggles.

Here are the four types of people who think about getting a divorce, and how they go about trying to save their marriage, according to the study.

“Intense seekers,” comprising about 6% of the study’s participants, are relentless in their pursuit of marital repair. They work hard to save their relationship, seeking professional therapy, reading self-help books, working on personal growth and attempting earnest conversations with their spouse about their issues.

Researchers found that these individuals are often younger, with an average age of 36, and are more educated than the other groups, with a strong initial hope in their marriage’s potential.

Despite their vigorous and sustained efforts, intense seekers often face severe challenges like mental health struggles, excessive conflict and issues such as infidelity, substance abuse or disagreements over finances or housework in their marriages. Their intense commitment can lead to burnout, as many find their hope dwindling over time.

Unfortunately, this group also sees the highest divorce rates, with 15% divorced and 20% separated by the study’s end a year later. In fact, this group is the most likely to discuss divorce........

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