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The Relationship Between Contact and Child Adjustment in High Conflict Cases after Divorce or Separation
Author(s) -
Trinder Liz,
Kellet Joanne,
Swift Louise
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2008.00484.x
Subject(s) - psychology , psychological intervention , developmental psychology , separation (statistics) , child custody , clinical psychology , psychiatry , criminology , machine learning , computer science
Background: The study explored the relationship between contact and child adjustment where parents are in legal dispute over contact following divorce. Method: The sample consisted of 156, 129 and 108 parents at three different time points. Resident and contact parents reported on child and parent wellbeing, contact, decision‐making and concerns about their former partner’s parenting. Results: Children, particularly boys, had above average behaviour problems. Parent wellbeing and concerns about their ex‐partner’s parenting were associated with child adjustment. Contact and child adjustment were not related. Conclusions: Parenting education and therapeutic interventions are required to help parents focus on their children’s needs.