Children Adjust Better in Joint vs. Sole Custodies
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Children under joint custodies adjust better than those under sole custody rulings. According to a new research on custody arrangements, children from divorced families who live with both parents alternately or spend a certain period of time experience better psychological health compared to children who interact with only one parent. Robert Bauserman, PhD, psychologist of the AIDS Administration and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Baltimore, conducted an analysis of studies between 1982 and 1999 examining 814 cases of joint-custody children against 1,846 cases of sole-custody. Bauserman defined joint custody as physical custody—the child spends equal time with both parents who share legal custody.
Joint custody children and emotional dealings According to the study, children under joint custody rulings suffered less from behavioral and emotional problems. Each child had higher self-esteem, better family communications, and did better in school compared to sole custody arrangements. The psychologist claimed that joint custody provided children with the opportunity to continuously interact with both parents, a luxury deprived from solecustody cases.
This study show cases the importance of substantial time for both the child and the parents. Children do not need joint physical custody; spending enough periods of time with both parents strengthens the child’s emotional health. A current perception of joint custody as a harmful living situation exists. The belief states that joint custody exposes children more to the conflicts of their parents, which can be traumatic and emotionally scarring for the child. However, joint custody couples report less conflict, especially if both parents manage to spend more time with the children than arguing.
Joint custody: not for EVERY case While joint custody bears advantages, joint custody does not apply to all situations. When one parent fails to uphold their responsibilities or suffers from mental or physical decline, sole custody is preferable. Judges, lawyers, social workers, and psychologists involved in the case share their input on whether a joint custody befits the child and the couple.
Parents capable of controlling conflict provide an advantage for children under joint custody rulings. By focusing on the child, parents help children adjust better to the new situation. The child’s emotional adjustment relies heavily on each parent’s effort to maintain the peace despite ongoing conflict. RESOURCES:
http://www.divorceattorneyinlongisland.com/ http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2002/03/custody.aspx http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20020325/joint-custody-best-for-most-children