A Cross‐Lagged Panel Model of Coparental Interaction and Father Involvement Shortly After Divorce. Issue 3 (13th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petren, Raymond E.; Ferraro, Anthony J.; Zimmermann, McKenzie L.; Anthony, Michael V.; Pasley, Kay
• Is Part Of: Family relations. Volume 70:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 808
• Page End: 822
• Publication Date: 2020-10-13
• Subjects: coparental interaction -- coparenting -- divorce -- father involvement; Families -- Periodicals; Family life education -- Periodicals; Family social work -- Periodicals; 306.85
• DOI: 10.1111/fare.12508
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-6664

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To examine (a) associations among coparental interaction (cooperation, overt conflict, covert conflict) and father involvement (engagement, in‐kind financial support), (b) associations among the three dimensions of coparental interaction, and (c) associations among the two dimensions of father involvement, shortly after divorce. Background: Family relationships change shortly after divorce, yet little research has examined coparental interaction and father involvement shortly after divorce and overt and covert conflict are often not included. Method: Mothers and fathers from different families in a southeastern state ( N = 194) participated within 3 months after divorce (Time 1) and 3 to 6 months later (Time 2). A cross‐lagged structural equation model was used to examine reciprocal associations among dimensions of coparental interaction and father involvement. Results: Higher father engagement and lower overt conflict (Time 1) were associated with higher cooperation (Time 2). Covert conflict was associated with later overt conflict. In‐kind support was not associated with later father engagement or coparental interaction. No reciprocal associations among variables were found. Conclusion: Coparental conflict and father engagement may be salient to the development of later coparental relationships following divorce. Implications: Practitioners can help parents manage conflict and encourage father engagement to foster healthy coparental relationships after divorce.