Date of Award
Summer 8-22-2014
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Joseph R. Ferrari, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
LaVome Robinson, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Verena Graupmann, Ph.D.
Abstract
The U.S. divorce rate increased substantially from WWII until the 1980's. Although the number of divorces decreased marginally in the past decade, the number of marriages also decreased, causing the divorce rate to remain nearly unchanged from 2000 to 2010. The most frequently cited negative effect of divorce and separation is perhaps the loss of father-child contact, although little research was dedicated to understanding the post-divorce outcomes of fathers - especially with regard to their long-term outcomes. The present study assessed how several factors (e.g. parenting decisions, custody status, parenting efficacy, and parenting encouragement) influenced divorced fathers' psychological well-being. Results from a path analysis showed that participants who did not maintain full or shared custody experienced reduced parenting opportunities and well-being. Implications for community psychologists and policy makers are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Bottom, Todd Lawrence, "The Psychological Well-Being of Divorced Fathers: A Theoretical Model and Projection" (2014). College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations. 84.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/csh_etd/84