Factors associated with coparental relationships: fathers' perspectives

Abstract

Recent research on the effects of divorce indicates that the relationship between ex-spouses is a critical factor in the postdivorce adjustment of mothers, fathers, and children. In this study, guided by General Systems Theory and Ecological Theory, data from 225 divorced fathers was used to explore a set of selected variables which were predicted to affect the quality of their coparental relationships with former spouses. A standard multiple regression analysis revealed that a substantial amount of the variance in coparental relationships was explained by five of the eleven variables under investigation. Fathers who reported a positive coparental relationship with their ex-wives were 1) more satisfied with their custody arrangements, 2) more likely to blame themselves for the breakup of their marriage, 3) discussed fewer topics with their exwives, 4) had higher educational levels, and 5) had greater feelings of closeness to their children predivorce. Implications of the findings for future research and policy are discussed.