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Abstract

This study integrates an analysis of Google Trends data on divorce search volumes, Google Location History to assess stay-at-home behavior, and COVID-19 death rates from March 2020 to October 2022 across 45 countries. Using causal mediation analysis, we examined the mediating role of stay-at-home behavior on the impact of pandemic severity on divorce-related searches. Findings indicate a significant relationship between COVID-19 death rates and reduced divorce searches during the first two years, with no mediation by stay-at-home behavior. In the third year, stay-at-home behavior began significantly mediating an increase in divorce searches, especially pronounced in high-income countries. These results highlight the evolving societal responses to the pandemic and underscore the importance of adaptable support strategies in the face of changing marital dynamics during public health crises.

Keywords

global positioning system location google trends google maps marriage social distancing stay-at-home behavior

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The COVID-19 pandemic and internet searches for divorce with stay-at-home behavior as a mediator: A multinational longitudinal study

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