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Published on: September 19, 2019
The Relationship Between Contact and Child Adjustment in High Conflict Cases after Divorce or Separation
Liz Trinder1, Joanne Kellet2, Louise Swift2
1Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU. UK.
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.
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