Publication Date

2007

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Abstract

This qualitative, exploratory study looked at nonresidential fathers' perceptions of the influence of their acrimonious divorces on their relationships with their children. For the purpose of this study, the term nonresidential fathers referred to fathers of biological or adopted children who were no longer living in their children's homes due to divorce. Twelve nonresidential fathers were interviewed in February and March of 2007. All of the men were recruited from the email listserv of the Pennsylvania chapter of Fathers' and Children's Equality, Inc. In an hour and a half interview, they answered 11 guiding questions which were all recorded on a digital recorder and then transcribed. The study found that fathers believed two major aspects of divorce that influenced their relationships with their children: the acrimonious actions taken by their ex wives and their overall experiences with the judicial system throughout the divorce and child custody processes harmed their ability to be fathers. Past research supported findings, although future research on nonresidential fathers and their relationship with their children is still needed.

Comments

iii, 67 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-58).

Download

Share

COinS