Fatherhood After Separation: Implications for Parent and Child Outcomes

Little research has been conducted on the unique experiences of fathers following parental separation, much less on the different experiences of fathers who have varying degrees of parenting responsibilities. Although it is still more common for children to reside primarily with their mothers after separation, the numbers of resident fathers are increasing (Hemez & Washington, 2021). Understanding parenting and mental health among separated fathers is important in developing relevant, accessible services and supports. The current study is a descriptive analysis of how custodial status among separated fathers of 9-year-old children is associated with parental perceptions, relationship quality, parenting stress, paternal depression, disciplinary behavior, and child behavior outcomes. Results showed that positive views of fatherhood appear the highest among resident fathers and lowest among non-custodial fathers, yet parental stress remained moderately high across all groups. Depression was lowest among fathers with joint custody and significantly higher among non-custodial fathers, raising questions about the association between mental health and fathers’ involvement in childrearing. Resident fathers also reported the greatest quality of the father-child relationship, and highest frequency of disciplinary behaviors. Joint-custody fathers were the highest in positive ratings of the coparenting relationship. There were no group differences in parenting stress and child behavioral problems. These results reflect a complex relationship between paternal custodial status and the multifaceted experience of being a father not cohabitating with the child’s biological mother. Directions for future research on fathers’ experiences as parents and policy implications for supporting parents and children after separation are discussed.