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A confidant support and problem solving model of divorced fathers' parenting
David S Degarmo1, Marion S Forgatch
1Oregon Social Learning Center, 10 Shelton McMurphey Boulevard, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. davidd@oslc.org
American Journal of Community Psychology
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Recently divorced fathers with strong social support showed improved problem-solving and parenting skills, leading to better child behavior over 18 months. This supports the social interaction learning model.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Divorce significantly impacts fathers' parenting and children's behavior.
- Social support networks play a crucial role in adjustment during major life transitions.
- The social interaction learning (SIL) model offers a framework for understanding these dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the social interaction learning (SIL) model in recently divorced fathers.
- To examine the predictive relationships between confidant support, problem-solving, paternal parenting, and child behavior.
- To investigate the influence of fathers' antisociality on the support process.
Main Methods:
- Latent growth curve analysis with 230 recently divorced fathers (177 with support confidants).
- Observational measures of support behaviors and problem-solving from structured discussions.
- Assessment of fathers' parenting and child behavior over 18 months.
Main Results:
- Confidant support predicted better problem-solving outcomes.
- Improved problem-solving skills predicted more effective paternal parenting.
- Effective parenting predicted a reduction in children's total problem behavior over 18 months.
- Fathers' antisociality influenced the support process, aligning with a homophily perspective.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the social interaction learning (SIL) model for divorced fathers.
- Social support and problem-solving skills are key mediators for positive parenting outcomes.
- Intervention strategies focusing on parent training and social support are recommended.
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