Current research on stepfamily well-being often overlooks the perspective of children, and deals primarily with factors as reported by the adults involved. The authors examine a number of family role characteristics, parental subsystem characteristics, and resources that might influence how children perceive the quality of their stepfamily…

Canadian and British study examined impact of divorce on noncustodial fathers' disengagement. Results from 80 noncustodial fathers generated two distinct profiles of noncustodial fathers and marked discontinuity between pre- and postdivorce father-child relationships. Findings suggest transition period from point of divorce to 6-12 months after…

Synthesizes some available information on women who divorce during midlife and delineates the implications for social work practice. Suggests that, in assisting these women, social workers need to focus initially on grief and mourning, whereas overall treatment should emphasize changing maladaptive behavior and adverse environmental conditions.…

Surveys the literature and provides case examples supporting the view that social workers are uniquely qualified to evaluate child custody questions and can learn to handle themselves in the courtroom, either as employees of the court or as private consultants. (Author/NB)

A national survey of 517 mothers without custody of at least one child revealed a great range in their reactions to their nontraditional role. Although many mothers reported feeling guilty and uncomfortable, a significant number felt well adjusted, and these two groups are contrasted. Offers practice implications for social workers. (Author)

Asserts that sole custody has not met the needs of the divorced family. Discusses the benefits of joint custody as an alternative that more realistically defines the postdivorce relationship between the child and both parents. The linkage between joint custody and divorce mediation is also discussed. (Author)

Presents a theoretical model that focuses attention on the multiple arenas of life that are disrupted by divorce, the emotional stages of divorce, and the interpersonal dynamics of separating couples. Discusses the implications of these factors for strategically planning and carrying out the mediation process. (Author/ABB)

Discusses three categories of children overburdened by responsibilities resulting from divorce. Describes economic, social, and psychological stresses affecting parent-child relationships, as well as the potential for psychopathology within the relationship. (JAC)

Reviews a 1983-84 study of the marital and parental behavior of lesbian wives and mothers and gay husbands and fathers. Discovered differences between the men and women in: overall demographics, marital history, marital problems and their impact, parenting issues, and dealing with homosexuality. (Author/ABB)

Joint custody, the newest child custody alternative following divorce, is intended to benefit and serve the best interests of children. Unintended consequences, however, have been relatively unexplored, which raises questions as to the viability of joint custody for all families, regardless of social class, race, or ethnicity. Until further…

Studies spouseless, childless elderly women living in a metropolitan area including women who had never married, women who were widowed, and women who were divorced or separated. Most of the women had developed substitute supports for the close kin they lacked. Most younger elderly respondents, aged 65 to 74, considered themselves in good health.…

A model of service for parents undergoing divorce and considering joint custody of their children is described. The model integrates several intervention strategies, including mediation, group treatment, divorce counseling, and child guidance. The applicability of the model to a range of problems related to divorce and child custody is…

Presents a combined educationally and therapeutically oriented model of treatment to (1) control and lessen disruptive experiences associated with divorce; (2) enable individuals to improve their skill in coping with adjustment reactions to divorce; and (3) modify the pressures and response of single parenthood. Describes the model's four-session…

Five types of parental partnerships in postdivorce families based on family systems theory were discovered in this study. This differentiated description of postdivorce families, which can help practitioners assess the tasks that must be achieved, expands current professional understanding and has implications for effective intervention.…

Interviews with 21 children of lesbians in greater Boston area, ranging in age from 9 to 26, identified several major issues. Problems experienced involved parents' divorce and disclosure of mother's homosexuality. Problems between mother and children were secondary to the issue of children's respect for difficult step she had taken. (Author/NRB)