The case for multidimensional co-parenting behaviors as sources of chronic stress: Understanding pathways to mental health symptomology among divorced and separating adults
APA Citation:
J. Ferraro, A., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2022). The case for multidimensional co-parenting behaviors as sources of chronic stress: Understanding pathways to mental health symptomology among divorced and separating adults. Journal of Family Nursing, 28(4), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1177/10748407221124235
Focus:
Parents
Children
Programming
Mental health
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
Ferraro, Anthony J., Lucier-Greer, Mallory
Abstract:
The co-parenting relationship matters for postdivorce parental adjustment. This study explores the relative impact of different forms of co-parenting behaviors, coupled with an individual?s psychological resources, in explaining parent mental health in recently divorced or separated parents (n = 355). A latent variable structural equation model was fit to examine pathways between dimensions of co-parenting (support, overt conflict, self-controlled covert conflict, and externally controlled covert conflict), various psychological resources (satisfaction with the divorce decree, perceived competence of the co-parent, and self-efficacy), and adverse mental health symptomology. Significant direct pathways were identified between overt co-parenting conflict and adverse mental health. Indicators of co-parenting quality were tied differentially to various resources. Indirect effects were found for both self-controlled covert conflict and overt conflict on adverse mental health symptomology through self-efficacy. Leverage points and considerations for health professionals and practitioners working with divorcing parents are discussed.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
SAGE
Publication Type:
Article
Author Affiliation:
Kansas State University, AJF
Auburn University, MLG
Keywords:
divorce, co-parenting, postdivorce parental adjustment, parent mental health
Sponsors:
Vandermark Foundation