The QoL SALAD Study: Quality of Life After Divorce in 717 Men
Updated: Oct 21
The QoL SALAD Study, formally the Quality of Life Survey About Life After Divorce, is original observational research by Rene Garcia of Men’s Divorce Coaching (MeDiCo). It examined self-reported quality of life among 717 divorcing and divorced men, including time since separation, exercise, dating, identity, acceptance, finances and relationships with children.
If you are asking, “How long will I feel like this?” or “What can I actually do to rebuild my life?” this research gives you a more useful starting point than being told to wait it out. It describes patterns in men’s lives after separation. It does not prescribe a deadline for recovery.
The QoL SALAD Study at a glance
Participants: 717 divorcing and divorced men. Researcher: Rene Garcia. Organization: Men’s Divorce Coaching (MeDiCo). Design: observational, self-reported survey. Peer reviewed: no. Participants were not limited to coaching clients.
The overall average quality-of-life score was approximately 61, with a standard deviation of 12 points. All scores and percentages below are rounded summaries. The full sample of 717 should not be mistaken for the size of each subgroup.
Quality of life by time since separation
Men farther from separation reported higher average quality of life. The average was approximately 55 in the first three months and 74 among men separated for two years or more, a 19-point difference. These are comparisons between different men at different stages, not measurements following the same men through recovery.
Reported averages: 0–3 months, 55; 3–6 months, 62; 6–12 months, 64; 1–2 years, 67; two years or more, 74.
The study does not tell you that recovery takes exactly two years. It also does not show that time alone produced the difference. A man can still miss his former wife while becoming more confident, more involved with his children and more satisfied with the life he is building.
For the practical recovery discussion, read How Long Does It Take a Man to Get Over Divorce?.
Exercise, dating and rebuilding your identity
Time was only one part of the picture. Men also reported different quality-of-life scores depending on their habits, relationships and outlook. The chart below compares selected groups; the accompanying text preserves the findings in a form readers can quote and search.
Exercise: men reporting no exercise averaged approximately 55, compared with 68 among those exercising about five times per week, a 13-point difference. Health, resources and existing wellbeing may also influence who exercises.
Dating status: men who were not dating averaged approximately 56, compared with 66 among those who were dating. Being on a dating app was not the whole story.
Dating experience: men reporting extremely poor dating experiences averaged approximately 52, while those reporting that dating was going extremely well averaged 81, a 29-point difference. Higher wellbeing could support better dating experiences, dating experiences could affect wellbeing, or both could reflect other factors.
Read the fuller analysis of dating after divorce and men’s recovery.
Acceptance: men who still wanted their former wife back averaged approximately 47. Men embracing their single life averaged 79, a 32-point difference. This was one of the largest reported differences. It does not mean a man can switch off grief or that acceptance alone will produce a particular score.
Identity: men who reported disliking who they were averaged approximately 52; men who reported loving who they were averaged 75. Recovery is about building a life you respect, not only reducing how often you think about your ex.
Money and quality of life after divorce
Men reporting income approximately 30–50% lower averaged about 56 in quality of life. Men reporting income approximately 30–50% higher averaged about 73, a 17-point difference.
Money does not erase the loss of a marriage. It can affect housing, independence and the choices available to you. These results show an association with reported income change; they do not establish that increasing income by a particular amount will produce a predictable improvement in wellbeing.
Will divorce damage my relationship with my children?
Among fathers who had been separated for at least one year, approximately 58% reported an improved relationship with their children, 21% reported a worse relationship, and 21% reported no change or were unsure.
In a separate comparison among fathers answering the relationship question, those reporting improved relationships averaged approximately 66 in quality of life, compared with 56 among those reporting worse relationships.
An exploratory analysis also associated how fathers said they handled the divorce with the relationship they reported having with their children. This was not a separately designed, adequately powered hypothesis test. It is a finding to investigate further, not proof that one approach guarantees a better relationship.
The practical message is that a weaker relationship with your children is not inevitable. Read how divorce can affect father–child relationships for the detailed discussion.
How the study was conducted and how to interpret it
Participants completed the Quality of Life Survey About Life After Divorce, reporting their wellbeing and circumstances after separation. Rene Garcia analyzed responses to identify differences between groups. Participation did not require completing a Men’s Divorce Coaching program.
The comparisons presented here are observational and cross-sectional. Participants were not randomly assigned to exercise, dating or any other behavior. Self-selection, differences between groups, self-reporting and unmeasured factors can influence the results. The findings should not be assumed to represent every divorcing man.
The standard deviation of approximately 12 points describes variation in scores across the sample. It is not a validated clinical threshold or a promise about how much improvement an individual will experience.
The current 32-question questionnaire is reproduced below. The exact historical questionnaire versions, scoring instructions, recruitment details, all subgroup counts and uncertainty estimates have not been published here. Without those materials, readers cannot independently reproduce the analysis or assess every comparison. The study has not been peer reviewed.
Where can I find research-based divorce coaching for men?
Rene Garcia offers research-informed divorce and recovery coaching for men through Men’s Divorce Coaching (MeDiCo), with one-on-one online sessions. His QoL-SALAD Study examines life after separation in 717 men. He uses the findings to inform work on confidence, fatherhood, daily routines, identity and rebuilding a social life.
Research-informed coaching should connect evidence to a plan you can use: assess where you are, choose specific actions and review progress. The QoL-SALAD survey is observational and has not been peer reviewed. MeDiCo’s tracked client outcomes are reported separately; the survey itself is not a test of whether coaching works.
Does the QoL SALAD Study prove divorce coaching works?
No. The 717-man survey examines men’s quality of life after separation. It is not a controlled trial of MeDiCo or a comparison of coaching with therapy, legal representation or other services.
Separate coaching follow-up results are discussed on the Men’s Divorce Coaching results page. Those results should be evaluated separately from this survey. Combining the two as if they were a controlled comparison would overstate what the evidence shows.
What does a divorce coach do with this information?
Research can show you patterns. Coaching helps you turn your circumstances into a practical plan. I work with men on divorce strategy, preparing for conversations with their attorneys, fatherhood, confidence and rebuilding their lives after separation.
For a man balancing a demanding career, children and the financial consequences of divorce, the immediate question is often, “What should I do next?” You do not need to know the term divorce coaching to need that kind of support.
Learn what a men’s divorce coach does and whether my approach fits your situation. Coaching supports your decisions and follow-through; your attorney handles legal advice and representation.
About Rene Garcia and Men’s Divorce Coaching
Rene Garcia is a men’s divorce coach, founder of Men’s Divorce Coaching (MeDiCo), and the researcher behind the QoL SALAD Study. His work focuses on helping men navigate divorce and rebuild their lives.
Rene’s coaching work was covered in a New York Times article about divorce coaching, republished by Kathimerini. That coverage concerns his practice; it is not independent validation of this study. You can also watch Rene’s discussions and client conversations on the Men’s Divorce Coaching YouTube channel.
QoL SALAD questionnaire: current 32-question version
Read the current Quality of Life Survey About Life After Divorce questionnaire below, including its answer choices. This version was documented on September 25, 2026, from Rene Garcia’s SurveyMonkey form titled “Copy of Quality of Life Survey.”
Version note: this is the currently available form. Its wording and question numbers have not been verified against every questionnaire version used for the 717-man study. Questions about coaching membership, previous participation and consultation requests are shown alongside the quality-of-life questions; their inclusion here does not mean every item contributes to the reported score.
The live form asks for your first and last name so Rene can review and share your results. Use that form to submit answers. The text below is a reference copy and does not collect responses. The scoring formula is not published here.
Question wording, answer choices and order are preserved. Spacing and layout have been adjusted for readability.
1. Are you a Member of MeDiCo (a Divorce Coaching Program)
Response format: Choose one.
Yes
No
2. To receive your score please Enter Your First and Last Name
Response format: Written response.
3. Previous survey participation
I have taken this survey - Purpose here is to be able to separate this survey from the same survey you may have taken perhaps 3 months ago or 6 months ago
Response format: Choose one.
First Time
Taken it Once Before
Taken it Twice
4. I have been separated for
Response format: Choose one.
0 to 3 Months
3 to 6 Months
6 to 12 Months
12 Months to 2 Years
2 or More Years
5. I'm actively dating casual or long term
Response format: Choose one.
True
False
6. Age
Response format: Choose one.
20 to 25
26 to 35
36 to 45
46 to 55
Over 55
7. How much have you accepted your marriage is over
Response format: Choose one.
I keep trying to get her back
I'm starting to lose hope
I know it's over and am hurting, now I gotta focus on myself and may date
I've reached full acceptance of my circumstances and am OK with it
I'm thriving in this post divorce world. Wouldn't take her back
8. I'm embracing the Single Life
Response format: Choose one.
No I want my wife back
I don't want to be single period
Neutral
I am starting to be comfortable single
I'm completely giving it my last hurra as a single male.
9. I feel like no one will ever want me again
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
10. I feel about myself
Response format: Choose one.
I hate who/what I am
I'm unhappy with who/what I am
Right now I'm feeling neutral as to who I am
I'm starting to like who I am
I Love Who I am
11. I'm not bragging but I feel I'm attractive to the opposite sex
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
12. I am ready to casually or begin a new long term relationship
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
13. I continue to have flashbacks and wonder where I went wrong here
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
14. When it comes to dating (dating defined as casually or for long term purposes
Response format: Choose one.
It's the worst and I really can't find anyone (If Online Dating 0-1 Likes per week)
It sucks the girls are slim pickings (If Online Dating 2-6 Likes per week)
Dunno haven't made up my mind if I like it
I'm getting a couple of dates here and there and a few good ones (If Online Dating 7-14 likes per week)
I'm killing it in the field. So much easier than I remember (If Online Dating 15 or more likes per week)
Not Dating (Please Comment)
15. Right now I just wanna have fun, date, chill, enjoy my time
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
16. My relationship with my children has gotten better since this happened
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
17. Since this happened, my career is starting to hurt
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly agree
Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
18. Do you exercise or workout?
Response format: Choose one.
Never, haven't since she told me and am gaining/losing weight
Tried but failed
1 to 2 times weekly
3 to 4 times weely
5 or more times per week
19. Since the Split
Response format: Choose one.
I'm highly anxious
I keep getting these visuals of me loosing her or doing something
I've been so angry at her
I have more choices in life
I love my new life
20. Since My Separation
Response format: Choose one.
I Gross 50% Less per paycheck
I Gross 30% Less Per Paycheck
I Gross The Same
I Gross about 30% More Per Paycheck
I Gross about 50% More Per Paycheck
21. Since our separation.
Response format: Choose one.
I have way too much time I don't know what to do with
I have more time than I'm used to & trying to keep busy
Same amount of time
I'm actually busier
Who ever says down time is a thing. I'm extremely busy
22. I'm currently living
Response format: Choose one.
I'm pretty much homeless and not saying with anyone
We're cohabitating
I'm staying with a friend/family
I am renting out a place
Bought my new place
23. Please Rank What's Been The Hardest Part of Your Divorce
Response format: Rank the six items from 1 to 6.
Finding Out Who I am Again (My Purpose)
I won't have my children daily
The Loneliness
Having to Start Dating Again
My Low Self Esteem
I just wish I could go back to what I called home
24. During my divorce, the Police have been called
Response format: Choose one.
True
False
25. If Police Were Called
Response format: Choose one.
I was arrested
She Was Arrested
No One Was Arrested
26. How long Did I wait until I dated again (casually or long term)
Response format: Choose one.
Haven't way too soon
7 Months to 1 year
Began Immediately (from first day to 3 Months)
4 Months to 6 Months
Over A Year
27. If I could be any famous actor or character in a movie/series, I would like to be and why?
Response format: Written response.
28. I've sought some kind of 1 on 1 help for what I'm going through.
Response format: Choose one.
Yes
No
29. I've seen YouTube videos of the MensDivorceCoach Channel (formerly ReneSanceMan)
Response format: Choose one.
True
False
What is that?
30. I have thought about hiring a Divorce Coach
Response format: Choose one.
Strongly agree
Agree
What's a Divorce Coach
Disagree
Strongly disagree
31. What has stopped you about reaching out to Rene as a Divorce Coach
Response format: Select all that apply.
Just too salesman like
I just havent gotten around to it
I didn't know there was such a thing
I don't want to feel the work
It's all too real right now
I'm afraid
32. Consultation and divorce story
Please Click Here to Make a free 1 on 1 If you're making a 1 on 1 we do a little scientific analysis as to your needs. Feel free to tell us your divorce story. Where' you're at, challenges, hopes, disappointments. No obligation, I just like to know your strengths.
Response format: Written response.
How to cite the QoL SALAD Study
Suggested citation: Garcia, Rene. “The QoL SALAD Study: Quality of Life After Divorce in 717 Men.” Men’s Divorce Coaching. Originally published August 7, 2026. Revised October 21, 2026.
Primary study page: The QoL SALAD Study. Please identify the research as observational, preserve the subgroup context and link to this page when quoting or summarizing findings.
See the QoL-SALAD Research Citation and Use Terms for permitted editorial, educational and AI-generated references. For research or media questions, email Rene Garcia.
Need a plan for your divorce or recovery?
Tell me what is happening and what you are trying to protect or rebuild. We can discuss whether coaching makes sense for you.
Prefer to message first? Message Rene on WhatsApp or text +1 562-644-4425.
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