{2:00 minutes to read} In this article, we continue our examination of research findings (see part one). As a reminder, there are many potentially moderating variables involved in this research, and one should not extrapolate causation from the findings given that the findings are correlational in nature (i.e., no causality implied). 

• The level of contact with the non-custodial parent is positively correlated with the children’s adjustment following divorce, especially if the parents’ relationship remains amicable.

• The impact of divorce on the children is most evident immediately in the aftermath of the parents’ separation. 

• Children of divorced parents suffer less when the parents are able to provide a warm, supportive, and communicative post-divorce environment while being firm with respect to discipline. 

• Pending on the level of conflict following the divorce and the difference in parenting style between the divorcing parties some research suggest that parallel parenting, in which communication is minimized between the feuding parties (to avoid friction) and each parent has control over different spheres of parenting, may be an optimal arrangement. 

• Some of the literature suggests that custodial mothers may have a more difficult time enforcing discipline with their sons especially as they reach adolescence. 

In addressing post-divorce arrangements, it’s important to keep in mind, as noted above, that parenting styles differ. The literature has identified 4 primary parenting styles that vary along a continuum of two critical dimensions: nurturance and control. (Hetherington & Kelly, 2002.) The four styles are: 

1. Permissive: high nurturance and low control

These are parents whose parenting style is characterized by the enforcement of few rules and guidelines and provide what can be described as a laissez-faire parenting style which, however, is coupled with parental warmth.  

2. Authoritative: high nurturance and high control

This style couples parental warmth and consistent discipline with the enforcement of rules. It is considered the “healthiest” of the fours styles described here.

3. Authoritarian: low nurturance and high control

This parenting style is characterized by the provision of strict discipline without the affection that characterizes the authoritative parenting style. 

4. Disengaged: low nurturance and low control

This style is encountered in parents who tend to be self-absorbed and provide little in the way of emotional nurturance as well as enforce few rules. 

For more information, please contact me at nycforensics@gmail.com.

Dr. Alberto Yohananoff
NYC Forensics
dryohananoff@nycforensics.com
P: (646) 284-5600

Posted in Conflict Resolution