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A Cross‐Lagged Panel Model of Coparental Interaction and Father Involvement Shortly After Divorce
Author(s) -
Petren Raymond E.,
Ferraro Anthony J.,
Zimmermann McKenzie L.,
Anthony Michael V.,
Pasley Kay
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
family relations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1741-3729
pISSN - 0197-6664
DOI - 10.1111/fare.12508
Subject(s) - covert , psychology , reciprocal , structural equation modeling , coparenting , developmental psychology , philosophy , linguistics , statistics , mathematics
Objective To examine (a) associations among coparental interaction (cooperation, overt conflict, covert conflict) and father involvement (engagement, in‐kind financial support), (b) associations among the three dimensions of coparental interaction, and (c) associations among the two dimensions of father involvement, shortly after divorce. Background Family relationships change shortly after divorce, yet little research has examined coparental interaction and father involvement shortly after divorce and overt and covert conflict are often not included. Method Mothers and fathers from different families in a southeastern state ( N = 194) participated within 3 months after divorce (Time 1) and 3 to 6 months later (Time 2). A cross‐lagged structural equation model was used to examine reciprocal associations among dimensions of coparental interaction and father involvement. Results Higher father engagement and lower overt conflict (Time 1) were associated with higher cooperation (Time 2). Covert conflict was associated with later overt conflict. In‐kind support was not associated with later father engagement or coparental interaction. No reciprocal associations among variables were found. Conclusion Coparental conflict and father engagement may be salient to the development of later coparental relationships following divorce. Implications Practitioners can help parents manage conflict and encourage father engagement to foster healthy coparental relationships after divorce.