The latest statistics from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reveal important changes in the emotional behavior of Brazilians. According to civil registration statistics, the total number of formal marriages decreased by 3% compared to 2022, while the number of registered divorces reached 448,000, an increase of 4.9% over the same period.
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This trend was more pronounced in the Southeast, where the largest decline in marriages was seen (-5.0%). The increase in separations was more pronounced in the Midwest (16.8%) and Northern (13.1%) regions, indicating a shift in the way Brazilians view romantic relationships and long-term commitments.
According to emotional behavior expert Caio Bittencourt, there are a series of factors behind these numbers. “It’s important to understand that behind these numbers there are several complex issues that can lead to the end of a marriage. The immaturity of younger men is a complicating factor in any relationship, and when you add to this a lack of financial and emotional security, the situation becomes even worse,” he says.
New arrangements and the pursuit of stability
As increasing divorce rates and economic hardship impact marital life, new forms of relationships are emerging, such as so-called sugar relationships. This increasingly popular model involves a partnership between people seeking financial security and a relationship with clearly defined roles. This means that sugar daddies, who are older and more successful men, typically provide comfort and stability to young sugar babies.
According to data from the MeuPatrocínio platform, around 89% of divorced users say they are looking for a serious relationship based on transparency and clear purpose, without games or romantic idealization.
“After facing the headache of a breakup, these people begin to pursue practicality. They avoid complications and prefer the simplicity and lightness that is easily found in sugar relationships,” explains Caio.
What leads couples to divorce?
International research can help us better understand the causes of these ruptures. Research published in Journal of social and personal relationships points out that many of the issues that lead to divorce appear already in the early stages of a relationship and tend to worsen over time. The main reasons are:
financial difficulties: Lack of financial stability is one of the most common causes of separation. Stress caused by money (or the lack of it) directly affects a couple’s sense of security and expectations for the future.
lack of communication: Misunderstandings occur when dialogue breaks down. Without space for honest conversations, frustration builds, coexistence suffers, and emotional distance grows.
lack of intimacy: Sex life is an important part of the emotional connection between partners. When desire cools and physical contact decreases, the relationship loses its vitality.
Addiction and destructive behavior: Dependence on alcohol, drugs and other harmful habits weakens trust and stability, making it increasingly difficult to live together.
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For Caio, the emotional and economic aspects are deeply intertwined. “The combination of money, happiness, and a good marriage does indeed exist. On the contrary, financial problems can cause separation and dissatisfaction. That’s why we find that financially stable couples are happier. Not worrying about money means less frustration and more satisfaction and good mood,” he concludes.
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