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• 1. [Article] Postdivorce parental roles: a descriptive study

  Divorce is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in American society. Its occurrence is increasing both in absolute and relative numbers, and also in its involvement of minor children. As will be ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Postdivorce parental roles: a descriptive study Author: Congleton, Victor R., Londos, Lisa Christina Year: 1976 Divorce is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in American society. Its occurrence is increasing both in absolute and relative numbers, and also in its involvement of minor children. As will be demonstrated below, very little is actually known about the process of divorce or about its impact on the members of the family. Of particular concern is the effect of divorce on the children invo1ved, and the decisions and practice of the divorcing parents regarding their subsequent parenting relationship to the children. The authors of this report intend to study a random sample of divorcing couples and to derive a descriptive analysis of their perceptions of the proper role of the noncustodial parent (usually the father) in regard to the child rearing process following separation and divorce. We will work with that portion of available data for which we have information from both parents in the divorcing family. Particular attention will be paid to issues of congruence or noncongruence in perceptions between the two members of the coparental couple (including each member's judgement of his/ her partner's perceptions of the issues. We believe that the ability of the divorcing parents to provide a stable and cooperative relationship in their parental roles is very important for the children to be assisted in adjusting to the divorce. Given this assumption the extent of congruence or noncongruence in the perceptions of the parents about the role of the noncustodial parent in postdivorce child rearing may be very important in determining the degree of cooperation between them and the subsequent ease of adjustment of the children to the new family role relationships. Our data will be taken from questionnaires and oral interviews with a random sample of divorcing couples, administered very soon after the official filing for the divorce. Longitudinal studies are planned to follow the subjects through the divorce process for as long as eighteen months after filing. These subsequent studies will not be reported here. Title: Postdivorce parental roles: a descriptive study Author: Congleton, Victor R., Londos, Lisa Christina Year: 1976 Divorce is becoming an increasingly common phenomenon in American society. Its occurrence is increasing both in absolute and relative numbers, and also in its involvement of minor children. As will be demonstrated below, very little is actually known about the process of divorce or about its impact on the members of the family. Of particular concern is the effect of divorce on the children invo1ved, and the decisions and practice of the divorcing parents regarding their subsequent parenting relationship to the children. The authors of this report intend to study a random sample of divorcing couples and to derive a descriptive analysis of their perceptions of the proper role of the noncustodial parent (usually the father) in regard to the child rearing process following separation and divorce. We will work with that portion of available data for which we have information from both parents in the divorcing family. Particular attention will be paid to issues of congruence or noncongruence in perceptions between the two members of the coparental couple (including each member's judgement of his/ her partner's perceptions of the issues. We believe that the ability of the divorcing parents to provide a stable and cooperative relationship in their parental roles is very important for the children to be assisted in adjusting to the divorce. Given this assumption the extent of congruence or noncongruence in the perceptions of the parents about the role of the noncustodial parent in postdivorce child rearing may be very important in determining the degree of cooperation between them and the subsequent ease of adjustment of the children to the new family role relationships. Our data will be taken from questionnaires and oral interviews with a random sample of divorcing couples, administered very soon after the official filing for the divorce. Longitudinal studies are planned to follow the subjects through the divorce process for as long as eighteen months after filing. These subsequent studies will not be reported here. Close

• 2. [Article] Parental perceptions of behavioral changes in children following divorce

  This research was undertaken primarily to describe the parental perceptions of the effects of divorce upon the children age eighteen or younger of the first married couples filing for divorce in Clackamas ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Parental perceptions of behavioral changes in children following divorce Author: Bork, Kenneth W. Year: 1978 This research was undertaken primarily to describe the parental perceptions of the effects of divorce upon the children age eighteen or younger of the first married couples filing for divorce in Clackamas County, Oregon during 1975. Title: Parental perceptions of behavioral changes in children following divorce Author: Bork, Kenneth W. Year: 1978 This research was undertaken primarily to describe the parental perceptions of the effects of divorce upon the children age eighteen or younger of the first married couples filing for divorce in Clackamas County, Oregon during 1975. Close

• 3. [Article] The negative effects of divorce on the behavior of children

  Our study is concerned with the effects of filing for divorce on the behavior of children. We are interested in the adjustment of the child to the changes which occur during separation and divorce, and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The negative effects of divorce on the behavior of children Author: Hawkins, David, Lloyd, Karen Year: 1976 Our study is concerned with the effects of filing for divorce on the behavior of children. We are interested in the adjustment of the child to the changes which occur during separation and divorce, and we maintain the attitude that the lives of children are affected in some way when a marriage or family unit dissolves. A generally accepted belief is that divorce produces negative consequences in the lives of children as shown in their behavior. However, recently a number of studies have suggested that divorce need not be a negative experience, at least to the degree most people feel it is. Factors that influence the effects on children include: the intensity of the conflict between the divorcing partners; the degree to which parents demonstrate concern for the children and help them prepare for the separation; the child’s attachment to the custodial parent; and the level of maturity and general personality characteristics of the child. The primary goal of the study presented here is to determine the extent to which negative behavior changes in children are visible immediately following a divorce. Additionally we wish to describe those changes and determine their frequency. Finally, we wish to relate such changes to certain to certain social variables including economic status and age and sex of the children. Title: The negative effects of divorce on the behavior of children Author: Hawkins, David, Lloyd, Karen Year: 1976 Our study is concerned with the effects of filing for divorce on the behavior of children. We are interested in the adjustment of the child to the changes which occur during separation and divorce, and we maintain the attitude that the lives of children are affected in some way when a marriage or family unit dissolves. A generally accepted belief is that divorce produces negative consequences in the lives of children as shown in their behavior. However, recently a number of studies have suggested that divorce need not be a negative experience, at least to the degree most people feel it is. Factors that influence the effects on children include: the intensity of the conflict between the divorcing partners; the degree to which parents demonstrate concern for the children and help them prepare for the separation; the child’s attachment to the custodial parent; and the level of maturity and general personality characteristics of the child. The primary goal of the study presented here is to determine the extent to which negative behavior changes in children are visible immediately following a divorce. Additionally we wish to describe those changes and determine their frequency. Finally, we wish to relate such changes to certain to certain social variables including economic status and age and sex of the children. Close

• 4. [Article] Post-divorce visitation of minor children; development of a questionnaire

  The present descriptive study was broadly concerned about divorces which have an impact on minor children. It was intended to build on the previous research of Griffith, Hack, Murphy, Wieman, Williams, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Post-divorce visitation of minor children; development of a questionnaire Author: Cotter, Viola, Goldenberg, Lorraine, McGill, Terry Year: 1971 The present descriptive study was broadly concerned about divorces which have an impact on minor children. It was intended to build on the previous research of Griffith, Hack, Murphy, Wieman, Williams, Van Lydegraf & Glaudin (1970) in describing the relationships between parents and children after divorce. It was the objective of the present research team to come closer to the goal of selecting a representative sample of divorced parents than was possible previously. Moreover, an attempt was made to develop a highly structured questionnaire and interview schedule growing out of the earlier experience with semi-structured interviews. Data to be collected in the present study were to be much more specific and much less impressionistic. Although it was considered desirable to obtain a general picture of the family dissolution as early in the divorce process as possible, special consideration was given to issues pertaining to the visiting relationship of the minor child and the non-custodial parent. In addition, the present research not only intended to gather descriptive content about divorcing parents and their children, but to give primary emphasis to assessing the reliability of the findings. To recapitulate, the purpose of this study focused on the following immediate goals: 1) To sample a representative group of divorcing parents of minor children early in the divorce process. 2) To construct a highly-structured questionnaire which would describe divorcing parents, their relationship, attitudes, visiting arrangements and the adjustment of the minor children. 3) To determine the reliability of data gathered by means of a mailed questionnaire which taps this content. Title: Post-divorce visitation of minor children; development of a questionnaire Author: Cotter, Viola, Goldenberg, Lorraine, McGill, Terry Year: 1971 The present descriptive study was broadly concerned about divorces which have an impact on minor children. It was intended to build on the previous research of Griffith, Hack, Murphy, Wieman, Williams, Van Lydegraf & Glaudin (1970) in describing the relationships between parents and children after divorce. It was the objective of the present research team to come closer to the goal of selecting a representative sample of divorced parents than was possible previously. Moreover, an attempt was made to develop a highly structured questionnaire and interview schedule growing out of the earlier experience with semi-structured interviews. Data to be collected in the present study were to be much more specific and much less impressionistic. Although it was considered desirable to obtain a general picture of the family dissolution as early in the divorce process as possible, special consideration was given to issues pertaining to the visiting relationship of the minor child and the non-custodial parent. In addition, the present research not only intended to gather descriptive content about divorcing parents and their children, but to give primary emphasis to assessing the reliability of the findings. To recapitulate, the purpose of this study focused on the following immediate goals: 1) To sample a representative group of divorcing parents of minor children early in the divorce process. 2) To construct a highly-structured questionnaire which would describe divorcing parents, their relationship, attitudes, visiting arrangements and the adjustment of the minor children. 3) To determine the reliability of data gathered by means of a mailed questionnaire which taps this content. Close

• 5. [Article] Post-Divorce Visitation of Minor Children; An Exploratory Study

  ORS 107.100 gives the court broad powers to secure the "best interests" of minor children as third parties to a divorce. Further, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled in Tingen vs. Tingen that the best interests ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Post-Divorce Visitation of Minor Children; An Exploratory Study Author: Griffith, Barbara, Hack, Gladys, Murphy, Eileen, Wieman, Allison, Williams, Adam, VanLydegraf, Earl, Glaudin, Vincent Year: 1970 ORS 107.100 gives the court broad powers to secure the "best interests" of minor children as third parties to a divorce. Further, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled in Tingen vs. Tingen that the best interests of a minor child involve a complex constellation of factors pertaining to the parents, the environment, and the adjustment of the child. It has been assumed in case law that "reasonable visitation" of the minor child by the non-custodial parent is usually in the best interests of the child and is a right" of the non-custodial parent. Most judges order reasonable visitation as part of the divorce decree, especially in the vast number of default decrees. In some instances, specific visitation arrangements are ordered and custody counseling frequently helps to develop an acceptable visitation plan. The fact is, however, that little is known about reasonable visitation; the patterns which exist, the decision making process, and the impact of visitation on the best interests of the minor child. The present exploratory study examined the feasibility of selecting and interviewing a representative sample of divorced parents with minor children in order to increase our understanding of visitation by the non-custodial parent. Two sampling studies were carried out, one in the Portland metropolitan area and one in Benton County. It was found that a significant sampling bias developed in contacting divorced parents when telephone listings provided the main system for tracing subjects. This bias was less pronounced for recent divorces. Once actual contact was made with subjects, they tended to be cooperative in agreeing to be interviewed. Of those who agreed, twenty-four were selected to participate in a semi structured interview concerning visitation. It was determined on this admittedly small and biased sample, that "frequent" visitation meant about "once a week" for recently divorced couples; "twice a month", for those divorced three to five years. A striking finding was that the minor child played a significant role in determining the frequency and activities of visitation starting at about eight years of age and universally by ten years of age. There appeared to be more strife in the visitation arrangements of recently divorced parents, some of whom were still deeply involved in bids for reconciliation or vindictiveness. The paper cautions against the assumption that promoting visitation is in the best interests of the minor child. Our state of knowledge counsels modesty in our advice. In regard to further research, two broad negative conclusions were reached: a) telephone listings do not provide a feasible means of securing a representative sample; b) a cross-sectional study involving parents divorced several years, introduces an extreme sample bias. It is recommended that a short term longitudinal strategy to be followed, possibly with cases selected from the court's docket prior to the divorce decree. A one-year longitudinal study would provide significant range of visitation patterns and opportunity to evaluate the impact of remarriage on visitation in a substantial number of cases. It would be important to include some systematic description of the minor child’s adjustment in order to relate visitation to the criterion of the "best interests" of the child. Title: Post-Divorce Visitation of Minor Children; An Exploratory Study Author: Griffith, Barbara, Hack, Gladys, Murphy, Eileen, Wieman, Allison, Williams, Adam, VanLydegraf, Earl, Glaudin, Vincent Year: 1970 ORS 107.100 gives the court broad powers to secure the "best interests" of minor children as third parties to a divorce. Further, the Oregon Supreme Court has ruled in Tingen vs. Tingen that the best interests of a minor child involve a complex constellation of factors pertaining to the parents, the environment, and the adjustment of the child. It has been assumed in case law that "reasonable visitation" of the minor child by the non-custodial parent is usually in the best interests of the child and is a right" of the non-custodial parent. Most judges order reasonable visitation as part of the divorce decree, especially in the vast number of default decrees. In some instances, specific visitation arrangements are ordered and custody counseling frequently helps to develop an acceptable visitation plan. The fact is, however, that little is known about reasonable visitation; the patterns which exist, the decision making process, and the impact of visitation on the best interests of the minor child. The present exploratory study examined the feasibility of selecting and interviewing a representative sample of divorced parents with minor children in order to increase our understanding of visitation by the non-custodial parent. Two sampling studies were carried out, one in the Portland metropolitan area and one in Benton County. It was found that a significant sampling bias developed in contacting divorced parents when telephone listings provided the main system for tracing subjects. This bias was less pronounced for recent divorces. Once actual contact was made with subjects, they tended to be cooperative in agreeing to be interviewed. Of those who agreed, twenty-four were selected to participate in a semi structured interview concerning visitation. It was determined on this admittedly small and biased sample, that "frequent" visitation meant about "once a week" for recently divorced couples; "twice a month", for those divorced three to five years. A striking finding was that the minor child played a significant role in determining the frequency and activities of visitation starting at about eight years of age and universally by ten years of age. There appeared to be more strife in the visitation arrangements of recently divorced parents, some of whom were still deeply involved in bids for reconciliation or vindictiveness. The paper cautions against the assumption that promoting visitation is in the best interests of the minor child. Our state of knowledge counsels modesty in our advice. In regard to further research, two broad negative conclusions were reached: a) telephone listings do not provide a feasible means of securing a representative sample; b) a cross-sectional study involving parents divorced several years, introduces an extreme sample bias. It is recommended that a short term longitudinal strategy to be followed, possibly with cases selected from the court's docket prior to the divorce decree. A one-year longitudinal study would provide significant range of visitation patterns and opportunity to evaluate the impact of remarriage on visitation in a substantial number of cases. It would be important to include some systematic description of the minor child’s adjustment in order to relate visitation to the criterion of the "best interests" of the child. Close

• 6. [Article] Changing the custody of children whose parents have been divorced : a general view of the process

  The purpose of this project was to obtain a preliminary description, through study of the legal files, of that group of persons who appear before the Court of Domestic Relations for a reconsideration of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Changing the custody of children whose parents have been divorced : a general view of the process Author: Bateman, Dorothy E., Comte, Michael A., Curry, Kathryn S., Fry, Robert M., Sims, Patricia J., Terry, Elva J. Year: 1970 The purpose of this project was to obtain a preliminary description, through study of the legal files, of that group of persons who appear before the Court of Domestic Relations for a reconsideration of the custody decision made initially, at the time of divorce. A sample of 92 cases heard in Mu1tnomah County in 1965 was obtained. A survey of the literature revealed that much of what has been written on the subject of divorce and custody is primarily from a statistical or legalistic standpoint and very little bears directly on the granting or obtaining of custody or the problems encountered by the custodial or non-custodial parents and the children. A reading schedule was developed for the purpose of recording the information in the legal files maintained by the court. The characteristics of the sample group were tallied in an effort to obtain a statistical profile of that group requiring additional court appearances to settle the matter of custody. A number of hypotheses were developed and tested by means of Chi Square. Though this study was limited by the fact that no control group was used and no personal interviews were obtained, it clearly indicates the need for additional research in the area of divorce and custody and suggestions are made for future projects. Title: Changing the custody of children whose parents have been divorced : a general view of the process Author: Bateman, Dorothy E., Comte, Michael A., Curry, Kathryn S., Fry, Robert M., Sims, Patricia J., Terry, Elva J. Year: 1970 The purpose of this project was to obtain a preliminary description, through study of the legal files, of that group of persons who appear before the Court of Domestic Relations for a reconsideration of the custody decision made initially, at the time of divorce. A sample of 92 cases heard in Mu1tnomah County in 1965 was obtained. A survey of the literature revealed that much of what has been written on the subject of divorce and custody is primarily from a statistical or legalistic standpoint and very little bears directly on the granting or obtaining of custody or the problems encountered by the custodial or non-custodial parents and the children. A reading schedule was developed for the purpose of recording the information in the legal files maintained by the court. The characteristics of the sample group were tallied in an effort to obtain a statistical profile of that group requiring additional court appearances to settle the matter of custody. A number of hypotheses were developed and tested by means of Chi Square. Though this study was limited by the fact that no control group was used and no personal interviews were obtained, it clearly indicates the need for additional research in the area of divorce and custody and suggestions are made for future projects. Close