Marriage And Divorce: Experts Say Steer Clear Of Dancers...

While dancers, choreographers and bartenders have around a 40% chance of divorce, agricultural engineers, The Observer reports optometrists, dentists, clergymen and podiatrists are all in occupations which carry a 2-7% chance of family breakdown.

Chartered occupational psychologist Dai Williams told the paper:

"This is a fascinating piece of research containing all sorts of surprises.

"It won't amaze anyone that relationships frequently break down under the pressure of jobs involving long hours and unpredictable working patterns.  Or that if you work in an extrovert environment, you will have more chance to meet other people and develop competing relationships.  Opticians, who have a low divorce rate, meet lots of people, but don't have the time to chat them up.

"But what is interesting is that those involved in caring professions experience a high level of break-up.  This might be because they spend too long caring for other people at the cost of their own families, or because they are naturally sensitive people who are more vulnerable and sensitive in their own relationship."

The Observer notes that chefs, secretaries and mathematicians share a 20% chance of being divorced or separated; journalists and urban planners have a 18% chance; librarians, dieticians and fitness instructors have a 17% chance; while travel agents, writers and police share a 16% likelihood of divorce - slightly above firefighters and teachers. 

And despite their long hours, or perhaps because of them, chief executives had only a 10% chance of experiencing marriage breakdown, slightly above pharmacists, dentists and farmers. 

Apparently agricultural engineers are the least likely to divorce - less than 2% of their relationships break down.