Mmpi characteristics of parents referred for child-custody studies

Despite a growing trend toward, and acceptance of, joint-custody decisions, the majority of contested child placements in divorce cases are still completed through the court systems. As a result, mental health professionals remain active in assisting courts in this process through custody studies where the relative merits of each parent are established. Noticeably lacking, however, has been even descriptive data on the personality characteristics of these parents. Results from a sample (N = 38) indicated that custodial parents represented themselves in a healthier fashion, coped with feelings of anger and impulsivity more effectively, were more trusting and open toward others, and received lower alcohol use scores than noncustodial parents.