Title: Joint versus sole physical custody: Outcomes for children independent of family income or parental conflict.

Publication: Journal of Child Custody: Research, Issues, and Practices

Authors: Linda Nielsen

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/15379418.2017.1422414 

Summary: The summary of the findings from the 60 studies indicates that joint physical custody (JPC) is generally associated with better outcomes for children compared to sole physical custody (SPC), even when considering family income and parental conflict. Overall, regardless of family income or parental conflict, JPC is consistently associated with better outcomes for children in terms of behavioral, emotional, physical, and academic well-being, as well as relationships with parents and grandparents.

Family Reunion Comment: The positive association between JPC and child outcomes holds true even when considering factors such as family income and parental conflict.

Title: Parenting Styles, Coparenting, and Early Child Adjustment in Separated Families with Child Physical Custody Processes Ongoing in Family Court

Publication: Children (Basel, Switzerland)

Authors: Mónica Pires and Mariana Martins

Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/children8080629 

Summary: This study examined the impact of parenting styles, coparenting conflict, and triangulation on child adjustment. The study found that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles, as well as negative coparenting, were associated with poorer child adjustment. The ongoing custody process was found to contribute to increased interparental conflict. Harsh parenting and interparental conflict were identified as predictors of poor early child adjustment. The findings emphasize the importance of considering family dynamics, parenting practices, and conflict in custody decisions, particularly for young children. The study discusses future research directions and practical implications for promoting healthy development in children during the challenging period of parental separation or divorce.

Family Reunion Comment: Although the study is using a portuguese sample, yhe article provides valuable insights into the impact of parenting styles, coparenting conflict, and ongoing custody processes on child adjustment during separation or divorce

Title: Children in dual-residence arrangements: a literature review

Publication: Journal of Family Studies 

Authors: Rakel Berman & Kristian Daneback

Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/13229400.2020.1838317 

Summary: This literature review examines the research on children’s dual-residence arrangements, where they spend equal time with both parents after separation or divorce. Certain aspects of dual residence appear to contribute to positive outcomes for children.

Family Reunion Comment: Although the findings are positive, the study highlights the difficulties in drawing conclusive findings and making practical recommendations due to the heterogeneity and gaps in the research. 

Title: Joint physical custody, parent–child relationships, and children’s psychosomatic problems

Publication: Journal of Public Health

Authors: Lara Augustijn

Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-021-01583-1 

Summary: This study explores the relationship between post-separation care arrangements (joint physical custody vs. sole physical custody) and children’s risks of psychosomatic problems. It also considers the role of parent-child relationships as potential mediators. The findings reveal that children in joint physical custody families experience fewer psychosomatic problems compared to those in sole physical custody families. Additionally, living in a joint physical custody arrangement is associated with better parent-child relationships, particularly the mother-child relationship, which partially mediates the link between custody arrangements and children’s psychosomatic complaints. 

Family Reunion Comment: The main finding of the article is that children in joint physical custody arrangements after separation or divorce experience fewer psychosomatic problems compared to those in sole physical custody. It suggests that considering the quality of parent-child relationships, particularly with the mother, is important for promoting children’s health in post-separation care arrangements. 

Title: Child Adjustment in Joint-Custody Versus Sole-Custody Arrangements: A Meta-Analytic Review

Publication: Journal of Family Psychology

Authors: Robert Bauserman

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10502556.2016.1185203 

Summary: The author conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing child adjustment in joint physical or joint legal custody with sole-custody settings, as well as paternal custody and intact families when possible. The findings reveal that children in joint physical or legal custody showed better adjustment compared to those in sole-custody settings, and their adjustment was similar to that of children in intact families. The positive adjustment of joint-custody children was evident across various domains, including general adjustment, family relationships, self-esteem, emotional and behavioral adjustment, and divorce-specific adjustment. Joint-custody parents also reported less conflict compared to sole-custody parents, although this factor did not fully explain the better adjustment of joint-custody children. The results suggest that joint custody can be beneficial for children by promoting ongoing positive involvement with both parents.

Family Reunion Comment: The findings of this meta-analysis provide strong support for the benefits of joint custody arrangements on child adjustment. The results consistently demonstrate that children in joint physical or legal custody fare better in various aspects of their lives compared to those in sole-custody settings. This suggests that maintaining meaningful and ongoing relationships with both parents can contribute to positive outcomes for children following divorce or separation. These findings have important implications for family law and custody decision-making, emphasizing the potential value of shared parenting arrangements in promoting the well-being of children.

Title: Increases in shared custody after divorce in the United States

Publication: Demographic Research

Authors: Daniel R. Meyer, Marcia J. Carlson, Md Moshi Ul Alam

Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/48677053 

Summary: This study examines the trend of shared physical custody after divorce in the United States. The likelihood of shared custody more than doubled from before 1985 to 2010-2014, increasing from 13% to 34%. The increase cannot be explained by changes in divorcing individuals’ characteristics, indicating a shift in norms and policies favoring shared custody. These findings have significant implications for children’s living arrangements and parental investments after divorce, as well as the growing inequality among families.

Family Reunion Comment: This study shows evidence of a notable rise in shared physical custody following divorce in the United States, which is an essential point to highlight. This development is a result of evolving standards and regulations that allow shared custody agreements. The results emphasize how crucial it is to comprehend and address the effects of this change on children’s wellbeing, parental involvement, and the larger context of family dynamics.