RESEARCH (EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN)

C. Ayoub, R. Deutsch, A Maraganore , Emotional distress in children of High-Conflict Divorce: the Impact of Marital Conflict and Violence,37 Fam. & Conciliation Courts Rev., July 1999.

Study based on 105 children of parents with acrimonious divorce and custody/visitation issues to examine factors contributing to emotional distress.  Review of literature showing poorer outcomes for children of divorce  in school, emotional and behavioral functioning, self-esteem; Relevance of age, gender;  Conflict more influential than the divorce itself. This study confirms positive relationship between child’s distress and level of marital conflict. Children of fathers with mental illness or substance use more apt to have less contact, more supervised contact. These children fared better than children with mothers with the same liabilities who were less apt to have  restrictions imposed.  Children with physical symptoms react differently from other children: change in visitation decreased symptoms. All  had experienced violence, abuse or maternal mental illness, substance abuse.

B. Bricklin, G. Elliot, Qualifications of and Techniques to be used by Judges, Attorneys, and Mental Health Professionals who Deal with Children in High Conflict Divorce Case, 22 U. Ark. Little Rock L. Rev. 501, 2000.

Summary of evidence for statement that marital conflict has more negative effects on children’s adjustment than any other researched variable. Because of differences in children, no direct relationship between what parents do, and impacts of such behaviors on specific children.  High conflict litigants resistant to usual techniques; spells out techniques needed to create improvement in high conflict cases; PAS controversy.

more coming soon...